Systems and methods for emergency communications

ABSTRACT

Described herein are methods, devices, media, and systems for automatic public safety answering point lookup, location tracking of first responders, and facilitating data exchange during emergency communications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/589,847, filed May 8, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/333,538, filed May 9, 2016, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/339,310, filed May 20, 2016, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/377,881, filed Aug. 22, 2016, whichapplications are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

In most countries across the world, designated 3-digit numbers exist toplace calls for emergency assistance. These calls for requestingemergency assistance are normally made via analog communication channelssuch as a public switched telephone network (PSTN) since most emergencyservice providers such as emergency dispatch centers (EDC) orpublic-safety access points (PSAP) are generally suited to only receiveanalog landline based calls. However, a vast number of calls requestingemergency assistance now originate from mobile communication devicessuch as, for example, mobile phones that are capable of communicatingvia data communication channels (e.g., Internet Protocol (IP)-basedcommunication sessions). Despite the convenience of mobile communicationdevices, emergency service providers have been unable to leverage thesecapabilities to provide enhanced emergency communications in respondingto emergency requests for assistance.

SUMMARY

Although an increasing number of emergency calls are made by moderncommunication devices, emergency services have failed to effectivelyrespond to such requests for emergency assistance, oftentimes sendingfirst responders to incorrect locations when seconds can mean thedifference between life and death.

One advantage of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein isidentifying the appropriate emergency dispatch center for responding toan emergency based on accurate and current location information of auser requesting emergency assistance. In some cases, an emergencydispatch center is identified that serves the jurisdiction in which theuser's communication device is located before an emergency situationoccurs. In this way, the location of the user communication device isused in a pre-emptive fashion to locate an EDC that serves the estimatedlocation. As a result, the appropriate EDC is readily available at aTandem Switch or MSC or another cellular call switching center andallows a request for emergency assistance be routed to the appropriateEDC without having to perform a search, for example, a look-up to an ALIor MSAG database for calls received from land-line phones or a SRDB forcalls received from portable devices. In such a method, instances ofunnecessary and possibly life threatening delays after a request foremergency assistance is placed may be reduced or eliminated.Alternatively, in some cases, an emergency dispatch center is identifiedafter the emergency situation arises. In some embodiments, a newemergency dispatch center is identified when the user changes locationinto another jurisdiction currently served by the new emergency dispatchcenter. In some embodiments, an emergency communication session betweena dispatch center and the user device switches dispatch centersseamlessly during the course of the session to ensure the user is beingassisted by the appropriate emergency dispatch center.

Another advantage provided by the systems, devices, and methodsdisclosed herein is providing responder forecast(s) to users requestingemergencies. Responder forecasts include information useful to the usersuch as, for example, an estimated time to arrival and/or type of firstresponder. In some embodiments, the responder forecast or informationfrom said forecast is displayed on a user communication device.Sometimes, the forecast is displayed on a map. In some embodiments, themap shows a location of the communication device and location(s) of anyresponder assets. In some embodiments, the type of information providedto the communication device depends on the user type and/orauthorization.

Another advantage provided by the systems, devices, and methodsdisclosed herein is the facilitation of efficient data exchange duringemergency situations or emergency communications. For example, existingPSAP infrastructure is often antiquated and unable to access importantinformation (e.g. information stored by a communication devicerequesting assistance) relevant to an emergency. In some cases, PSAPsare unable to communicate with one another effectively, often relying ondirect dialing each other. Sometimes, data is not shared between variousdevices and systems due to lack of compatible data format. Therefore,the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein allow forprovisioning of data from various sources for an emergency situation,formatting them into a compatible format, and providing the formatteddata to requesting devices/systems such as PSAPs or first respondersbased on level of authorization or credentials.

In one aspect, disclosed herein are methods for updating an emergencydispatch center for communicating with a communication device during anemergency situation, the method comprising: a) managing, by an emergencymanagement system, one or more communications sent between acommunication device and a first emergency dispatch center for theemergency situation; b) determining, by the emergency management system,that a second emergency dispatch center is more suitable than the firstemergency dispatch center for responding to the emergency situation; andc) updating, by the emergency management system, the first emergencydispatch center to the second emergency dispatch center forcommunicating with the communication device during the emergencysituation. In some embodiments, managing the one or more communicationsin step a) comprises routing the one or more communications sent betweenthe communication device and the first emergency dispatch center. Insome embodiments, managing the one or more communications in step a)comprises providing updated information for the communication device tothe first emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, managing theone or more communications in step a) comprises providing locationinformation for the communication device to the first emergency dispatchcenter. In some embodiments, determining that a second emergencydispatch center is more suitable for communicating with thecommunication device in step b) comprises: obtaining locationinformation for the communication device; determining that the firstemergency dispatch center does not serve a location of the communicationdevice based on the location information; and identifying a secondemergency dispatch center that serves the location of the communicationdevice based on the location information. In further embodiments,determining the first emergency dispatch center does not serve alocation of the communication device comprises querying a locationdatabase with the location of the communication device and receivingfrom the location database information for the second emergency dispatchcenter. In some embodiments, determining that a second emergencydispatch center is more suitable for communicating with thecommunication device in step b) comprises determining that the firstemergency dispatch center is unresponsive. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respondto an emergency alert sent by the communication device for at least athreshold time period. In further embodiments, the first emergencydispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respond to acommunication sent by the communication device for at least a thresholdtime period. In further embodiments, the first emergency dispatch centeris unresponsive when the first emergency dispatch center is notsuccessfully connected to the emergency communication session. In someembodiments, determining that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable for communicating with the communication device in step b)comprises: obtaining emergency information for the emergency situation;determining that the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation based on the emergencyinformation; and identifying a second emergency dispatch center that hasresources for responding to the emergency situation based on theemergency information. In further embodiments, the emergency informationcomprises medical emergency information indicating a medical emergencyfor a user of the communication device. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center lacks resources for responding to theemergency situation when there are no available responders associatedwith the first emergency dispatch center that are trained or equipped torespond to the emergency situation. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises: terminating the communication session between thecommunication device and the first emergency dispatch center; andestablishing a new communication session between the communicationdevice and the second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments,updating the first emergency dispatch center to the second emergencydispatch center in step c) comprises providing information for thesecond emergency dispatch center to the first emergency dispatch center.In some embodiments, providing information for the second emergencydispatch center comprises providing contact information for the secondemergency dispatch center. In further embodiments, providing informationfor the second emergency dispatch center comprises providing aninteractive link for connecting the first emergency dispatch center tothe second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises establishing a three-way communication sessionbetween the communication device, the first emergency dispatch center,and the second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updatingthe first emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatchcenter in step c) comprises adding the second emergency dispatch centerto the communication session between the communication device and thefirst emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises providing location information to the first emergency dispatchcenter before an emergency communication is sent between thecommunication device and the first emergency dispatch center. In furtherembodiments, updated location is periodically provided to the firstemergency dispatch center before the communication device sends arequest for emergency assistance. In some embodiments, the firstemergency dispatch center is pre-selected for communicating with thecommunication device based on a current location of the communicationdevice. In some embodiments, the communication device stores informationfor the first emergency dispatch center serving the current location ofthe communication device. In some embodiments, the communication devicestores the first emergency dispatch center as an emergency contact foremergency communications. In some embodiments, updated locationinformation for the communication device is periodically provided to thefirst emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises obtaining, by the emergency management system, emergencyinformation comprising at least one of user information, medicalinformation, environmental information, emergency type, and sensor data.In further embodiments, emergency type is selected from the groupconsisting of medical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, andcar accident. In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained fromone or more sensors of the communication device. In further embodiments,the sensor data is obtained from one or more sensors physically separatefrom the communication device. In yet further embodiments, a sensor is awearable sensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. Infurther embodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensordata is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: obtaining, bythe emergency management system, responder information; determining, bythe emergency management system, a responder forecast based on theresponder information and the current location for the communicationdevice; and providing, by the emergency management system, the responderforecast to the communication device.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are emergency management systemscomprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element, and acomputer program including instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule managing one or more communications sent between a communicationdevice and a first emergency dispatch center for the emergencysituation; b) a software module determining that a second emergencydispatch center is more suitable than the first emergency dispatchcenter for responding to the emergency situation; and c) a softwaremodule updating the first emergency dispatch center to the secondemergency dispatch center for communicating with the communicationdevice during the emergency situation. In some embodiments, managing theone or more communications in a) comprises routing the one or morecommunications sent between the communication device and the firstemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, managing the one or morecommunications in a) comprises providing updated information for thecommunication device to the first emergency dispatch center. In someembodiments, managing the one or more communications in a) comprisesproviding location information for the communication device to the firstemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, determining that asecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable for communicating withthe communication device in b) comprises: obtaining location informationfor the communication device; determining that the first emergencydispatch center does not serve a location of the communication devicebased on the location information; and identifying a second emergencydispatch center that serves the location of the communication devicebased on the location information. In further embodiments, determiningthe first emergency dispatch center does not serve a location of thecommunication device comprises querying a location database with thelocation of the communication device and receiving from the locationdatabase information for the second emergency dispatch center. In someembodiments, determining that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable for communicating with the communication device in b) comprisesdetermining that the first emergency dispatch center is unresponsive. Infurther embodiments, the first emergency dispatch center is unresponsivefor failing to respond to an emergency alert sent by the communicationdevice for at least a threshold time period. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respondto a communication sent by the communication device for at least athreshold time period. In further embodiments, the first emergencydispatch center is unresponsive when the first emergency dispatch centeris not successfully connected to the emergency communication session. Insome embodiments, determining that a second emergency dispatch center ismore suitable for communicating with the communication device in b)comprises: obtaining emergency information for the emergency situation;determining that the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation based on the emergencyinformation; and identifying a second emergency dispatch center that hasresources for responding to the emergency situation based on theemergency information. In further embodiments, the emergency informationcomprises medical emergency information indicating a medical emergencyfor a user of the communication device. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center lacks resources for responding to theemergency situation when there are no available responders associatedwith the first emergency dispatch center that are trained or equipped torespond to the emergency situation. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises: terminating the communication session between thecommunication device and the first emergency dispatch center; andestablishing a new communication session between the communicationdevice and the second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments,updating the first emergency dispatch center to the second emergencydispatch center in step c) comprises providing information for thesecond emergency dispatch center to the first emergency dispatch center.In some embodiments, providing information for the second emergencydispatch center comprises providing contact information for the secondemergency dispatch center. In further embodiments, providing informationfor the second emergency dispatch center comprises providing aninteractive link for connecting the first emergency dispatch center tothe second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises establishing a three-way communication sessionbetween the communication device, the first emergency dispatch center,and the second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updatingthe first emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatchcenter in step c) comprises adding the second emergency dispatch centerto the communication session between the communication device and thefirst emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module providing location information tothe first emergency dispatch center before an emergency communication issent between the communication device and the first emergency dispatchcenter. In further embodiments, updated location is periodicallyprovided to the first emergency dispatch center before the communicationdevice sends a request for emergency assistance. In some embodiments,the first emergency dispatch center is pre-selected for communicatingwith the communication device based on a current location of thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the communication devicestores information for the first emergency dispatch center serving thecurrent location of the communication device. In some embodiments, thecommunication device stores the first emergency dispatch center as anemergency contact for emergency communications. In some embodiments,updated location information for the communication device isperiodically provided to the first emergency dispatch center. In someembodiments, the application further comprises a software moduleobtaining emergency information comprising at least one of userinformation, medical information, environmental information, emergencytype, and sensor data. In further embodiments, emergency type isselected from the group consisting of medical emergency, fire emergency,police emergency, and car accident. In further embodiments, the sensordata is obtained from one or more sensors of the communication device.In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors physically separate from the communication device. In yetfurther embodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet ofThings sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In further embodiments, sensordata comprises at least one of environmental parameters andphysiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensor data isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the application further comprises asoftware module for obtaining responder information; determining aresponder forecast based on the responder information and the currentlocation for the communication device; and providing the responderforecast to the communication device.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create a server application comprising: a)a software module managing one or more communications sent between acommunication device and a first emergency dispatch center for theemergency situation; b) a software module determining that a secondemergency dispatch center is more suitable than the first emergencydispatch center for responding to the emergency situation; and c) asoftware module updating the first emergency dispatch center to thesecond emergency dispatch center for communicating with thecommunication device during the emergency situation. In someembodiments, managing the one or more communications in a) comprisesrouting the one or more communications sent between the communicationdevice and the first emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments,managing the one or more communications in a) comprises providingupdated information for the communication device to the first emergencydispatch center. In some embodiments, managing the one or morecommunications in a) comprises providing location information for thecommunication device to the first emergency dispatch center. In someembodiments, determining that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable for communicating with the communication device in b)comprises: obtaining location information for the communication device;determining that the first emergency dispatch center does not serve alocation of the communication device based on the location information;and identifying a second emergency dispatch center that serves thelocation of the communication device based on the location information.In further embodiments, determining the first emergency dispatch centerdoes not serve a location of the communication device comprises queryinga location database with the location of the communication device andreceiving from the location database information for the secondemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, determining that asecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable for communicating withthe communication device in b) comprises determining that the firstemergency dispatch center is unresponsive. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respondto an emergency alert sent by the communication device for at least athreshold time period. In further embodiments, the first emergencydispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respond to acommunication sent by the communication device for at least a thresholdtime period. In further embodiments, the first emergency dispatch centeris unresponsive when the first emergency dispatch center is notsuccessfully connected to the emergency communication session. In someembodiments, determining that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable for communicating with the communication device in b)comprises: obtaining emergency information for the emergency situation;determining that the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation based on the emergencyinformation; and identifying a second emergency dispatch center that hasresources for responding to the emergency situation based on theemergency information. In further embodiments, the emergency informationcomprises medical emergency information indicating a medical emergencyfor a user of the communication device. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center lacks resources for responding to theemergency situation when there are no available responders associatedwith the first emergency dispatch center that are trained or equipped torespond to the emergency situation. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises: terminating the communication session between thecommunication device and the first emergency dispatch center; andestablishing a new communication session between the communicationdevice and the second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments,updating the first emergency dispatch center to the second emergencydispatch center in step c) comprises providing information for thesecond emergency dispatch center to the first emergency dispatch center.In some embodiments, providing information for the second emergencydispatch center comprises providing contact information for the secondemergency dispatch center. In further embodiments, providing informationfor the second emergency dispatch center comprises providing aninteractive link for connecting the first emergency dispatch center tothe second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises establishing a three-way communication sessionbetween the communication device, the first emergency dispatch center,and the second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updatingthe first emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatchcenter in step c) comprises adding the second emergency dispatch centerto the communication session between the communication device and thefirst emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module providing location information tothe first emergency dispatch center before an emergency communication issent between the communication device and the first emergency dispatchcenter. In further embodiments, updated location is periodicallyprovided to the first emergency dispatch center before the communicationdevice sends a request for emergency assistance. In some embodiments,the first emergency dispatch center is pre-selected for communicatingwith the communication device based on a current location of thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the communication devicestores information for the first emergency dispatch center serving thecurrent location of the communication device. In some embodiments, thecommunication device stores the first emergency dispatch center as anemergency contact for emergency communications. In some embodiments,updated location information for the communication device isperiodically provided to the first emergency dispatch center. In someembodiments, the application further comprises a software moduleobtaining emergency information comprising at least one of userinformation, medical information, environmental information, emergencytype, and sensor data. In further embodiments, emergency type isselected from the group consisting of medical emergency, fire emergency,police emergency, and car accident. In further embodiments, the sensordata is obtained from one or more sensors of the communication device.In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors physically separate from the communication device. In yetfurther embodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet ofThings sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In further embodiments, sensordata comprises at least one of environmental parameters andphysiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensor data isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the application further comprises asoftware module for obtaining responder information; determining aresponder forecast based on the responder information and the currentlocation for the communication device; and providing the responderforecast to the communication device.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are methods for updating an emergencydispatch center for communicating with a communication device during anemergency situation, the method comprising: a) sending, by thecommunication device, one or more communications to a first emergencydispatch center; b) determining, by the communication device, that thesecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable than the firstemergency dispatch center for responding to the emergency situation; andc) updating, by the communication device, the first emergency dispatchcenter to the second emergency dispatch center for communicating withthe communication device during the emergency situation. In someembodiments, the one or more communications between the communicationdevice and the first emergency dispatch center are routed through anemergency management system. In some embodiments, the communicationdevice provides location information to the first emergency dispatchcenter. In some embodiments, determining that a second emergencydispatch center is more suitable for communicating with thecommunication device in step b) comprises: obtaining locationinformation for the communication device; determining that the firstemergency dispatch center does not serve a location of the communicationdevice based on the location information; and obtaining information fora second emergency dispatch center that serves the location of thecommunication device based on the location information. In furtherembodiments, determining the first emergency dispatch center does notserve a location of the communication device comprises querying alocation database with the location of the communication device andreceiving from the location database information for the secondemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, determining that thesecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable for communicating withthe communication device in step b) comprises determining that the firstemergency dispatch center is unresponsive. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respondto an emergency alert sent by the communication device for at least athreshold time period. In further embodiments, the first emergencydispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respond to acommunication sent by the communication device for at least a thresholdtime period. In further embodiments, the first emergency dispatch centeris unresponsive when the first emergency dispatch center is notsuccessfully connected with the communication device. In someembodiments, determining that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable for communicating with the communication device in step b)comprises: obtaining emergency information for the emergency situation;determining that the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation based on the emergencyinformation; and obtaining information for a second emergency dispatchcenter that has resources for responding to the emergency situationbased on the emergency information. In further embodiments, theemergency information comprises medical emergency information indicatinga medical emergency for a user of the communication device. In furtherembodiments, the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation when there are no availableresponders associated with the first emergency dispatch center that aretrained or equipped to respond to the emergency situation. In someembodiments, updating the first emergency dispatch center to the secondemergency dispatch center in step c) comprises: terminatingcommunications with the first emergency dispatch center; andestablishing communications with the second emergency dispatch center.In some embodiments, updating the first emergency dispatch center to thesecond emergency dispatch center in step c) comprises sending a requestto an emergency management system to transfer communications to thesecond emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises sending a request to the first emergency dispatchcenter to transfer emergency communications to the second emergencydispatch enter. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesestablishing a three-way communication session between the communicationdevice, the first emergency dispatch center, and the second emergencydispatch center. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesadding the second emergency dispatch center to a communication sessionbetween the communication device and the first emergency dispatchcenter. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providinglocation information to the first emergency dispatch center before anemergency communication is sent between the communication device and thefirst emergency dispatch center. In further embodiments, updatedlocation is periodically provided to the first emergency dispatch centerbefore the communication device sends a request for emergencyassistance. In further embodiments, the first emergency dispatch centeris pre-selected for communicating with the communication device based ona current location of the communication device. In further embodiments,the communication device stores information for the first emergencydispatch center serving a current location of the communication device.In further embodiments, the communication device stores the firstemergency dispatch center as an emergency contact for emergencycommunications. In some embodiments, updated location information forthe communication device is periodically provided to the first or secondemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises sending, by the communication device, emergency informationcomprising at least one of user information, medical information,environmental information, emergency type, and sensor data. In furtherembodiments, emergency type is selected from the group consisting ofmedical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, and car accident.In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors of the communication device. In further embodiments, the sensordata is obtained from one or more sensors physically separate from thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is a wearablesensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In furtherembodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In yet further embodiments,sensor data is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consistingof: a thermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxidesensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, anair flow sensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining, bythe communication device, a responder forecast from the first or secondemergency dispatch center.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are communication devices comprisingat least one processor, a memory, a network element, and a computerprogram including instructions executable by the at least one processorto create an application comprising: a) a software module sending one ormore communications to a first emergency dispatch center for anemergency situation; b) a software module determining that a secondemergency dispatch center is more suitable than the first emergencydispatch center for responding to the emergency situation; and c) asoftware module updating the first emergency dispatch center to thesecond emergency dispatch center for communicating with thecommunication device during the emergency situation. In someembodiments, the one or more communications between the communicationdevice and the first emergency dispatch center are routed through anemergency management system. In some embodiments, the communicationdevice provides location information to the first emergency dispatchcenter. In some embodiments, determining that a second emergencydispatch center is more suitable for communicating with thecommunication device in step b) comprises: obtaining locationinformation for the communication device; determining that the firstemergency dispatch center does not serve a location of the communicationdevice based on the location information; and obtaining information fora second emergency dispatch center that serves the location of thecommunication device based on the location information. In furtherembodiments, determining the first emergency dispatch center does notserve a location of the communication device comprises querying alocation database with the location of the communication device andreceiving from the location database information for the secondemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, determining that thesecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable for communicating withthe communication device in step b) comprises determining that the firstemergency dispatch center is unresponsive. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respondto an emergency alert sent by the communication device for at least athreshold time period. In further embodiments, the first emergencydispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respond to acommunication sent by the communication device for at least a thresholdtime period. In further embodiments, the first emergency dispatch centeris unresponsive when the first emergency dispatch center is notsuccessfully connected with the communication device. In someembodiments, determining that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable for communicating with the communication device in step b)comprises: obtaining emergency information for the emergency situation;determining that the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation based on the emergencyinformation; and obtaining information for a second emergency dispatchcenter that has resources for responding to the emergency situationbased on the emergency information. In further embodiments, theemergency information comprises medical emergency information indicatinga medical emergency for a user of the communication device. In furtherembodiments, the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation when there are no availableresponders associated with the first emergency dispatch center that aretrained or equipped to respond to the emergency situation. In someembodiments, updating the first emergency dispatch center to the secondemergency dispatch center in step c) comprises: terminatingcommunications with the first emergency dispatch center; andestablishing communications with the second emergency dispatch center.In some embodiments, updating the first emergency dispatch center to thesecond emergency dispatch center in step c) comprises sending a requestto an emergency management system to transfer communications to thesecond emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises sending a request to the first emergency dispatchcenter to transfer emergency communications to the second emergencydispatch enter. In some embodiments, the application further comprises asoftware module establishing a three-way communication session betweenthe communication device, the first emergency dispatch center, and thesecond emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module adding the second emergency dispatchcenter to a communication session between the communication device andthe first emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, theapplication further comprises a software module providing locationinformation to the first emergency dispatch center before an emergencycommunication is sent between the communication device and the firstemergency dispatch center. In further embodiments, updated location isperiodically provided to the first emergency dispatch center before thecommunication device sends a request for emergency assistance. Infurther embodiments, the first emergency dispatch center is pre-selectedfor communicating with the communication device based on a currentlocation of the communication device. In further embodiments, thecommunication device stores information for the first emergency dispatchcenter serving a current location of the communication device. Infurther embodiments, the communication device stores the first emergencydispatch center as an emergency contact for emergency communications. Insome embodiments, updated location information for the communicationdevice is periodically provided to the first or second emergencydispatch center. In some embodiments, the application further comprisesa software module sending emergency information comprising at least oneof user information, medical information, environmental information,emergency type, and sensor data. In further embodiments, emergency typeis selected from the group consisting of medical emergency, fireemergency, police emergency, and car accident. In further embodiments,the sensor data is obtained from one or more sensors of thecommunication device. In further embodiments, the sensor data isobtained from one or more sensors physically separate from thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is a wearablesensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In furtherembodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In yet further embodiments,sensor data is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consistingof: a thermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxidesensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, anair flow sensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining, bythe communication device, a responder forecast from the first or secondemergency dispatch center.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create a server application comprising: a)a software module sending one or more communications to a firstemergency dispatch center for an emergency situation; b) a softwaremodule determining that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable than the first emergency dispatch center for responding to theemergency situation; and c) a software module updating the firstemergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch center forcommunicating with the communication device during the emergencysituation. In some embodiments, the one or more communications betweenthe communication device and the first emergency dispatch center arerouted through an emergency management system. In some embodiments, thecommunication device provides location information to the firstemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, determining that asecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable for communicating withthe communication device in step b) comprises: obtaining locationinformation for the communication device; determining that the firstemergency dispatch center does not serve a location of the communicationdevice based on the location information; and obtaining information fora second emergency dispatch center that serves the location of thecommunication device based on the location information. In furtherembodiments, determining the first emergency dispatch center does notserve a location of the communication device comprises querying alocation database with the location of the communication device andreceiving from the location database information for the secondemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, determining that thesecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable for communicating withthe communication device in step b) comprises determining that the firstemergency dispatch center is unresponsive. In further embodiments, thefirst emergency dispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respondto an emergency alert sent by the communication device for at least athreshold time period. In further embodiments, the first emergencydispatch center is unresponsive for failing to respond to acommunication sent by the communication device for at least a thresholdtime period. In further embodiments, the first emergency dispatch centeris unresponsive when the first emergency dispatch center is notsuccessfully connected with the communication device. In someembodiments, determining that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable for communicating with the communication device in step b)comprises: obtaining emergency information for the emergency situation;determining that the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation based on the emergencyinformation; and obtaining information for a second emergency dispatchcenter that has resources for responding to the emergency situationbased on the emergency information. In further embodiments, theemergency information comprises medical emergency information indicatinga medical emergency for a user of the communication device. In furtherembodiments, the first emergency dispatch center lacks resources forresponding to the emergency situation when there are no availableresponders associated with the first emergency dispatch center that aretrained or equipped to respond to the emergency situation. In someembodiments, updating the first emergency dispatch center to the secondemergency dispatch center in step c) comprises: terminatingcommunications with the first emergency dispatch center; andestablishing communications with the second emergency dispatch center.In some embodiments, updating the first emergency dispatch center to thesecond emergency dispatch center in step c) comprises sending a requestto an emergency management system to transfer communications to thesecond emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, updating thefirst emergency dispatch center to the second emergency dispatch centerin step c) comprises sending a request to the first emergency dispatchcenter to transfer emergency communications to the second emergencydispatch enter. In some embodiments, the application further comprises asoftware module establishing a three-way communication session betweenthe communication device, the first emergency dispatch center, and thesecond emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module adding the second emergency dispatchcenter to a communication session between the communication device andthe first emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, theapplication further comprises a software module providing locationinformation to the first emergency dispatch center before an emergencycommunication is sent between the communication device and the firstemergency dispatch center. In further embodiments, updated location isperiodically provided to the first emergency dispatch center before thecommunication device sends a request for emergency assistance. Infurther embodiments, the first emergency dispatch center is pre-selectedfor communicating with the communication device based on a currentlocation of the communication device. In further embodiments, thecommunication device stores information for the first emergency dispatchcenter serving a current location of the communication device. Infurther embodiments, the communication device stores the first emergencydispatch center as an emergency contact for emergency communications. Insome embodiments, updated location information for the communicationdevice is periodically provided to the first or second emergencydispatch center. In some embodiments, the application further comprisesa software module sending emergency information comprising at least oneof user information, medical information, environmental information,emergency type, and sensor data. In further embodiments, emergency typeis selected from the group consisting of medical emergency, fireemergency, police emergency, and car accident. In further embodiments,the sensor data is obtained from one or more sensors of thecommunication device. In further embodiments, the sensor data isobtained from one or more sensors physically separate from thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is a wearablesensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In furtherembodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In yet further embodiments,sensor data is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consistingof: a thermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxidesensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, anair flow sensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining, bythe communication device, a responder forecast from the first or secondemergency dispatch center.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are methods of providing a responderforecast for a responder to a communication device during an emergencysituation, the method comprising: a) managing, by an emergencymanagement system, an emergency communication session between thecommunication device and an emergency dispatch center during anemergency situation; b) obtaining, by the emergency management system, acurrent location for the communication device; c) obtaining, by theemergency management system, information about responder assets inproximity to the current location of the communication device; d)determining, by the emergency management system, a responder forecastbased on the responder information and the current location for thecommunication device; and e) providing, by the emergency managementsystem, the responder forecast to the communication device. In someembodiments, the responder forecast comprises a current location foreach responder. In some embodiments, the responder forecast comprises anestimated time to arrival for the responder assets based on a currentlocation for each of the responder assets and the communication device.In some embodiments, the emergency response information comprises anestimated distance between each of the responder assets and thecommunication device. In some embodiments, a display of thecommunication device presents a digital map showing a current locationfor each of the communication device and the responder assets. In someembodiments, a display of the communication device presents an estimatedtime to arrival for each of the responder assets. In some embodiments, adisplay of the communication device presents an estimated traveldistance between each of the responder assets and the communicationdevice. In some embodiments, the responder assets comprises at least tworesponders. In some embodiments, the responder assets comprises at leastthree responders. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is calculated using at least one of GPS, cellularnetwork triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation,received signal strength from at least one cellular base station,received signal strength of at least one Wi-Fi router, and receivedsignal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon. In some embodiments,the current location of the communication device is determined by thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is determined by the emergency management system.In some embodiments, the current location of the communication device isdetermined by a third party server. In some embodiments, information inthe responder forecast is made available to the communication devicebased on user type for a user of the communication device. In someembodiments, the method further comprises determining, by the emergencymanagement system, that a second emergency dispatch center is moresuitable for responding to the emergency situation. In furtherembodiments, the method further comprises facilitating, by the emergencymanagement center, a transfer of the communication session to the secondemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem obtains the current location for the communication device beforethe emergency communication session is established. In furtherembodiments, the emergency management system periodically obtains anupdated location for the communication device. In further embodiments,the emergency management system pre-selects the emergency dispatchcenter based on the current location of the communication device beforereceiving the emergency alert. In further embodiments, the emergencymanagement system pre-selects a new emergency dispatch center based onan updated current location of the communication device before receivingthe emergency alert, wherein said updated current location is within ajurisdiction of the new emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments,the emergency management system stores the emergency dispatch centerserving the current location of the communication device. In someembodiments, the emergency management system stores the emergencydispatch center as an emergency contact for receiving an emergencyalert. In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining, bythe emergency management system, emergency information comprising atleast one of user information, medical information, environmentalinformation, emergency type, and sensor data. In further embodiments,the responder assets is selected based on at least one of the emergencytype and the current location information for the communication device.In further embodiments, emergency type is selected from the groupconsisting of medical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, andcar accident. In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained fromone or more sensors of the communication device. In further embodiments,the sensor data is obtained from one or more sensors physically separatefrom the communication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is awearable sensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. Infurther embodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In yet further embodiments,sensor data is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consistingof: a thermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxidesensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, anair flow sensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are emergency management systemscomprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element, and acomputer program including instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule managing an emergency communication session between thecommunication device and an emergency dispatch center during anemergency situation; b) a software module obtaining a current locationfor the communication device; c) a software module obtaining informationabout responder assets in proximity to the current location of thecommunication device; d) a software module determining a responderforecast based on the responder information and the current location forthe communication device; and e) a software module providing theresponder forecast to the communication device. In some embodiments, theresponder forecast comprises a current location for each responder. Insome embodiments, the responder forecast comprises an estimated time toarrival for the responder assets based on a current location for each ofthe responder assets and the communication device. In some embodiments,the emergency response information comprises an estimated distancebetween each of the responder assets and the communication device. Insome embodiments, a display of the communication device presents adigital map showing a current location for each of the communicationdevice and the responder assets. In some embodiments, a display of thecommunication device presents an estimated time to arrival for each ofthe responder assets. In some embodiments, a display of thecommunication device presents an estimated travel distance between eachof the responder assets and the communication device. In someembodiments, the responder assets comprise at least two responders. Insome embodiments, the responder assets comprise at least threeresponders. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is calculated using at least one of GPS, cellularnetwork triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation,received signal strength from at least one cellular base station,received signal strength of at least one Wi-Fi router, and receivedsignal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon. In some embodiments,the current location of the communication device is determined by thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is determined by the emergency management system.In some embodiments, the current location of the communication device isdetermined by a third party server. In some embodiments, information inthe responder forecast is made available to the communication devicebased on user type for a user of the communication device. In someembodiments, the application further comprises a software moduledetermining that a second emergency dispatch center is more suitable forresponding to the emergency situation. In further embodiments, theapplication further comprises a software module facilitating a transferof the communication session to the second emergency dispatch center. Insome embodiments, the emergency management system obtains the currentlocation for the communication device before the emergency communicationsession is established. In further embodiments, the emergency managementsystem periodically obtains an updated location for the communicationdevice. In further embodiments, the emergency management systempre-selects the emergency dispatch center based on the current locationof the communication device before receiving the emergency alert. Infurther embodiments, the emergency management system pre-selects a newemergency dispatch center based on an updated current location of thecommunication device before receiving the emergency alert, wherein saidupdated current location is within a jurisdiction of the new emergencydispatch center. In some embodiments, the emergency management systemstores the emergency dispatch center serving the current location of thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem stores the emergency dispatch center as an emergency contact forreceiving an emergency alert. In some embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module obtaining emergency informationcomprising at least one of user information, medical information,environmental information, emergency type, and sensor data. In furtherembodiments, the responder assets are selected based on at least one ofthe emergency type and the current location information for thecommunication device. In further embodiments, emergency type is selectedfrom the group consisting of medical emergency, fire emergency, policeemergency, and car accident. In further embodiments, the sensor data isobtained from one or more sensors of the communication device. Infurther embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors physically separate from the communication device. In furtherembodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet of Thingssensor, or a vehicular sensor. In further embodiments, sensor datacomprises at least one of environmental parameters and physiologicalparameters. In yet further embodiments, sensor data is obtained from asensor selected from the group consisting of: a thermometer, anelectrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxidesensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flow sensor, an airspeed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an airpressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, a photodetector, a Geigercounter, a magnetic field sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, anacid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardous chemical sensor, a vibrationsensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a smog sensor, and a videocamera; wherein a physiological parameter is obtained from a sensorselected from the group consisting of a heart rate monitor, athermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, an electrolytesensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create a server application comprising: a)a software module managing an emergency communication session betweenthe communication device and an emergency dispatch center during anemergency situation; b) a software module obtaining a current locationfor the communication device; c) a software module obtaining informationabout responder assets in proximity to the current location of thecommunication device; d) a software module determining a responderforecast based on the responder information and the current location forthe communication device; and e) a software module providing theresponder forecast to the communication device. In some embodiments, theresponder forecast comprises a current location for each responder. Insome embodiments, the responder forecast comprises an estimated time toarrival for the responder assets based on a current location for each ofthe responder assets and the communication device. In some embodiments,the emergency response information comprises an estimated distancebetween each of the responder assets and the communication device. Insome embodiments, a display of the communication device presents adigital map showing a current location for each of the communicationdevice and the responder assets. In some embodiments, a display of thecommunication device presents an estimated time to arrival for each ofthe responder assets. In some embodiments, a display of thecommunication device presents an estimated travel distance between eachof the responder assets and the communication device. In someembodiments, the responder assets comprise at least two responders. Insome embodiments, the responder assets comprise at least threeresponders. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is calculated using at least one of GPS, cellularnetwork triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation,received signal strength from at least one cellular base station,received signal strength of at least one Wi-Fi router, and receivedsignal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon. In some embodiments,the current location of the communication device is determined by thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is determined by the emergency management system.In some embodiments, the current location of the communication device isdetermined by a third party server. In some embodiments, information inthe responder forecast is made available to the communication devicebased on user type for a user of the communication device. In someembodiments, the application further comprises a software moduledetermining that a second emergency dispatch center is more suitable forresponding to the emergency situation. In further embodiments, theapplication further comprises a software module facilitating a transferof the communication session to the second emergency dispatch center. Insome embodiments, the emergency management system obtains the currentlocation for the communication device before the emergency communicationsession is established. In further embodiments, the emergency managementsystem periodically obtains an updated location for the communicationdevice. In further embodiments, the emergency management systempre-selects the emergency dispatch center based on the current locationof the communication device before receiving the emergency alert. Infurther embodiments, the emergency management system pre-selects a newemergency dispatch center based on an updated current location of thecommunication device before receiving the emergency alert, wherein saidupdated current location is within a jurisdiction of the new emergencydispatch center. In some embodiments, the emergency management systemstores the emergency dispatch center serving the current location of thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem stores the emergency dispatch center as an emergency contact forreceiving an emergency alert. In some embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module obtaining emergency informationcomprising at least one of user information, medical information,environmental information, emergency type, and sensor data. In furtherembodiments, the responder assets are selected based on at least one ofthe emergency type and the current location information for thecommunication device. In further embodiments, emergency type is selectedfrom the group consisting of medical emergency, fire emergency, policeemergency, and car accident. In further embodiments, the sensor data isobtained from one or more sensors of the communication device. Infurther embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors physically separate from the communication device. In furtherembodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet of Thingssensor, or a vehicular sensor. In further embodiments, sensor datacomprises at least one of environmental parameters and physiologicalparameters. In yet further embodiments, sensor data is obtained from asensor selected from the group consisting of: a thermometer, anelectrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxidesensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flow sensor, an airspeed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an airpressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, a photodetector, a Geigercounter, a magnetic field sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, anacid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardous chemical sensor, a vibrationsensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a smog sensor, and a videocamera; wherein a physiological parameter is obtained from a sensorselected from the group consisting of a heart rate monitor, athermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, an electrolytesensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In some aspects, provided herein are methods of obtaining a responderforecast during an emergency situation, the method comprising: a)communicating, by a communication device, with an emergency dispatchcenter over an emergency communication session during an emergencysituation; b) providing, by the communication device, a current locationfor the communication device to the emergency dispatch center; and c)obtaining, by the communication device, a responder forecast forresponder assets assigned to respond to the emergency situation from theemergency service. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesdisplaying, by the communication device, the responder forecast on adisplay of the communication device. In further embodiments, the displayof the communication device displays the responder forecast bypresenting a digital map showing current location for the responderassets and the communication device. In some embodiments, thecommunication device informs a user of estimated time to arrival for theresponder assets. In some embodiments, the communication device informsa user of estimated distance between the responder assets and thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the responder forecastcomprises current location for the responder assets. In someembodiments, the responder forecast comprises estimated time to arrivalfor the responder assets based on current location for the responderassets and the communication device. In some embodiments, the responderforecast comprises estimated travel distance between the responderassets and the communication device based on current location for theresponder assets and the communication device. In some embodiments, theresponder forecast comprises information on at least two responders. Insome embodiments, the responder forecast comprises information on atleast three responders. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is calculated using at least one of GPS, cellularnetwork triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation,received signal strength from at least one cellular base station,received signal strength of at least one Wi-Fi router, and receivedsignal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon. In some embodiments,information in the responder forecast is made available to thecommunication device based on user type for a user of the communicationdevice. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining,by the communication device, that a second emergency dispatch center ismore suitable for responding to the emergency situation. In furtherembodiments, the method further comprises obtaining, by thecommunication device, a transfer of the communication session to thesecond emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises providing location information to the emergencydispatch center before the emergency communication session isestablished. In further embodiments, updated location information isperiodically provided to the emergency service before the communicationdevice sends a request for emergency assistance. In further embodiments,the emergency dispatch center is pre-selected for communicating with thecommunication device based on a current location of the communicationdevice. In some embodiments, the communication device stores informationfor the emergency dispatch center serving the current location of thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the communication devicestores the emergency dispatch center as an emergency contact foremergency communications. In some embodiments, updated locationinformation for the communication device is periodically provided to theemergency dispatch center after the communication session isestablished. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending,by the communication device, emergency information comprising at leastone of user information, medical information, environmental information,emergency type, and sensor data. In further embodiments, the responderassets are selected based on at least one of the emergency type and thecurrent location information for the communication device. In furtherembodiments, emergency type is selected from the group consisting ofmedical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, and car accident.In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors of the communication device. In further embodiments, the sensordata is obtained from one or more sensors physically separate from thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is a wearablesensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In furtherembodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensordata is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the communication device displays a map ofresponder assets. In some embodiments, the emergency management systemgenerates a map of responder assets. In some embodiments, responderassets include one or more of medical assets, police assets, fireresponse assets, security assets, safety assets, and vehicle servicingassets.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are communication devices comprisingat least one processor, a memory, a network element, and a computerprogram including instructions executable by the at least one processorto create an application comprising: a) a software module communicatingwith an emergency dispatch center over an emergency communicationsession during an emergency situation; b) a software module providing acurrent location for the communication device to the emergency dispatchcenter; and c) a software module obtaining a responder forecast forresponder assets assigned to respond to the emergency situation from theemergency service. In some embodiments, the application furthercomprises a software module displaying the responder forecast on adisplay of the communication device. In further embodiments, the displayof the communication device displays the responder forecast bypresenting a digital map showing current location for the responderassets and the communication device. In some embodiments, thecommunication device informs a user of estimated time to arrival for theresponder assets. In some embodiments, the communication device informsa user of estimated distance between the responder assets and thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the responder forecastcomprises current location for the responder assets. In someembodiments, the responder forecast comprises estimated time to arrivalfor the responder assets based on current location for the responderassets and the communication device. In some embodiments, the responderforecast comprises estimated travel distance between the responderassets and the communication device based on current location for theresponder assets and the communication device. In some embodiments, theresponder forecast comprises information on at least two responders. Insome embodiments, the responder forecast comprises information on atleast three responders. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is calculated using at least one of GPS, cellularnetwork triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation,received signal strength from at least one cellular base station,received signal strength of at least one Wi-Fi router, and receivedsignal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon. In some embodiments,information in the responder forecast is made available to thecommunication device based on user type for a user of the communicationdevice. In some embodiments, the application further comprises asoftware module determining, by the communication device, that a secondemergency dispatch center is more suitable for responding to theemergency situation. In further embodiments, the application furthercomprises a software module obtaining a transfer of the communicationsession to the second emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments,the application further comprises a software module providing locationinformation to the emergency dispatch center before the emergencycommunication session is established. In further embodiments, updatedlocation information is periodically provided to the emergency servicebefore the communication device sends a request for emergencyassistance. In further embodiments, the emergency dispatch center ispre-selected for communicating with the communication device based on acurrent location of the communication device. In some embodiments, thecommunication device stores information for the emergency dispatchcenter serving the current location of the communication device. In someembodiments, the communication device stores the emergency dispatchcenter as an emergency contact for emergency communications. In someembodiments, updated location information for the communication deviceis periodically provided to the emergency dispatch center after thecommunication session is established. In some embodiments, theapplication further comprises sending emergency information comprisingat least one of user information, medical information, environmentalinformation, emergency type, and sensor data. In further embodiments,the responder assets are selected based on at least one of the emergencytype and the current location information for the communication device.In further embodiments, emergency type is selected from the groupconsisting of medical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, andcar accident. In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained fromone or more sensors of the communication device. In further embodiments,the sensor data is obtained from one or more sensors physically separatefrom the communication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is awearable sensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. Infurther embodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensordata is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the communication device displays a map ofresponder assets. In some embodiments, the emergency management systemgenerates a map of responder assets. In some embodiments, responderassets include one or more of medical assets, police assets, fireresponse assets, security assets, safety assets, and vehicle servicingassets.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create an application comprising: a) asoftware module communicating with an emergency dispatch center over anemergency communication session during an emergency situation; b) asoftware module providing a current location for the communicationdevice to the emergency dispatch center; and c) a software moduleobtaining a responder forecast for responder assets assigned to respondto the emergency situation from the emergency service. In someembodiments, the application further comprises a software moduledisplaying the responder forecast on a display of the communicationdevice. In further embodiments, the display of the communication devicedisplays the responder forecast by presenting a digital map showingcurrent location for the responder assets and the communication device.In some embodiments, the communication device informs a user ofestimated time to arrival for the responder assets. In some embodiments,the communication device informs a user of estimated distance betweenthe responder assets and the communication device. In some embodiments,the responder forecast comprises current location for the responderassets. In some embodiments, the responder forecast comprises estimatedtime to arrival for the responder assets based on current location forthe responder assets and the communication device. In some embodiments,the responder forecast comprises estimated travel distance between theresponder assets and the communication device based on current locationfor the responder assets and the communication device. In someembodiments, the responder forecast comprises information on at leasttwo responders. In some embodiments, the responder forecast comprisesinformation on at least three responders. In some embodiments, thecurrent location of the communication device is calculated using atleast one of GPS, cellular network triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation,Bluetooth triangulation, received signal strength from at least onecellular base station, received signal strength of at least one Wi-Firouter, and received signal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon.In some embodiments, information in the responder forecast is madeavailable to the communication device based on user type for a user ofthe communication device. In some embodiments, the application furthercomprises a software module determining, by the communication device,that a second emergency dispatch center is more suitable for respondingto the emergency situation. In further embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module obtaining a transfer of thecommunication session to the second emergency dispatch center. In someembodiments, the application further comprises a software moduleproviding location information to the emergency dispatch center beforethe emergency communication session is established. In furtherembodiments, updated location information is periodically provided tothe emergency service before the communication device sends a requestfor emergency assistance. In further embodiments, the emergency dispatchcenter is pre-selected for communicating with the communication devicebased on a current location of the communication device. In someembodiments, the communication device stores information for theemergency dispatch center serving the current location of thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the communication devicestores the emergency dispatch center as an emergency contact foremergency communications. In some embodiments, updated locationinformation for the communication device is periodically provided to theemergency dispatch center after the communication session isestablished. In some embodiments, the application further comprisessending emergency information comprising at least one of userinformation, medical information, environmental information, emergencytype, and sensor data. In further embodiments, the responder assets areselected based on at least one of the emergency type and the currentlocation information for the communication device. In furtherembodiments, emergency type is selected from the group consisting ofmedical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, and car accident.In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors of the communication device. In further embodiments, the sensordata is obtained from one or more sensors physically separate from thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is a wearablesensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In furtherembodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensordata is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor. In some embodiments, the communication device displays a map ofresponder assets. In some embodiments, the emergency management systemgenerates a map of responder assets. In some embodiments, responderassets include one or more of medical assets, police assets, fireresponse assets, security assets, safety assets, and vehicle servicingassets.

In some aspects, provided herein are methods of providing a responderforecast for responder assets to a communication device, the methodcomprising: a) managing, by an emergency management system, an emergencycommunication session between a communication device and an emergencydispatch center; b) obtaining, by the emergency management system, acurrent location for the communication device; c) determining, by theemergency management system, a type of emergency service that is sent inresponse to the emergency situation; d) estimating, by the emergencymanagement system, a responder forecast based on at least one ofhistorical and statistical data; e) adjusting, by the emergencymanagement system, the responder forecast based on current conditions;and f) providing, by the emergency management system, the responderforecast to a communication device of a user based on user type.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are methods of facilitating dataexchange during an emergency situation, the method comprising: a)receiving, by an emergency management system, a request for emergencyassistance from a communication device; b) obtaining, by the emergencymanagement system, emergency information comprising location informationfor the communication device; c) identifying, by the emergencymanagement system, an emergency dispatch center for responding to theemergency situation from a plurality of emergency dispatch centers basedon the location information; d) sending, by the emergency managementsystem, an emergency alert for the emergency situation to the emergencydispatch center; e) providing, by the emergency management system, theemergency information comprising the location information for theemergency situation to the emergency dispatch center; and f)facilitating, by the emergency management system, data exchange betweenthe at least one communication device and the emergency dispatch centerby processing data into a format compatible with a recipient of thedata. In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining, bythe emergency management system, emergency response information forresponder assets assigned to the emergency situation from the emergencydispatch center and providing the emergency response information to thecommunication device. In further embodiments, the emergency responseinformation comprises a current location for each responder. In furtherembodiments, the emergency response information comprises an estimatedtime to arrival for each of the responder assets based on a currentlocation for each of the responder assets and the communication device.In further embodiments, the emergency response information comprises anestimated distance between each of the responder assets and thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a display of thecommunication device presents a digital map showing a current locationfor each of the communication device and the responder assets. Infurther embodiments, a display of the communication device presents anestimated time to arrival for each of the responder assets. In furtherembodiments, a display of the communication device presents an estimatedtravel distance between each of the responder assets and thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the responder assets compriseat least two responders. In some embodiments, the responder assetscomprise at least three responders. In some embodiments, the currentlocation of the communication device is calculated using at least one ofGPS, cellular network triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetoothtriangulation, received signal strength from at least one cellular basestation, received signal strength of at least one Wi-Fi router, andreceived signal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon. In someembodiments, the current location of the communication device isdetermined by the communication device. In some embodiments, the currentlocation of the communication device is determined by the emergencymanagement system. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is determined by a third party server. In someembodiments, the emergency management system obtains locationinformation for the communication device before receiving the indicationof an emergency situation. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem periodically obtains updated location information for thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem pre-selects the emergency dispatch center based on a currentlocation of the communication device before receiving the emergencyalert. In some embodiments, the emergency management system pre-selectsa new emergency dispatch center based on an updated current location ofthe communication device before receiving the emergency alert, whereinsaid updated current location is within a jurisdiction of the newemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem stores the emergency dispatch center serving the current locationof the communication device. In some embodiments, the emergencymanagement system stores the emergency dispatch center as an emergencycontact for receiving an emergency alert. In some embodiments, themethod further comprises obtaining, by the emergency management system,emergency information comprising at least one of user information,medical information, environmental information, emergency type, andsensor data. In further embodiments, the responder assets is selectedbased on at least one of the emergency type and the current locationinformation for the communication device. In further embodiments,emergency type is selected from the group consisting of medicalemergency, fire emergency, police emergency, and car accident. Infurther embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors of the communication device. In further embodiments, the sensordata is obtained from one or more sensors physically separate from thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is a wearablesensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In furtherembodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensordata is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are emergency management systemscomprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element, and acomputer program including instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule receiving a request for emergency assistance from a communicationdevice; b) a software module obtaining emergency information comprisinglocation information for the communication device; c) a software moduleidentifying an emergency dispatch center for responding to the emergencysituation from a plurality of emergency dispatch centers based on thelocation information; d) a software module sending an emergency alertfor the emergency situation to the emergency dispatch center; e) asoftware module providing the emergency information comprising thelocation information for the emergency situation to the emergencydispatch center; and f) a software module facilitating data exchangebetween the at least one communication device and the emergency dispatchcenter by processing data into a format compatible with a recipient ofthe data. In some embodiments, the application further comprises asoftware module obtaining emergency response information for responderassets assigned to the emergency situation from the emergency dispatchcenter and providing the emergency response information to thecommunication device. In further embodiments, the emergency responseinformation comprises a current location for each responder. In furtherembodiments, the emergency response information comprises an estimatedtime to arrival for each of the responder assets based on a currentlocation for each of the responder assets and the communication device.In further embodiments, the emergency response information comprises anestimated distance between each of the responder assets and thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a display of thecommunication device presents a digital map showing a current locationfor each of the communication device and the responder assets. Infurther embodiments, a display of the communication device presents anestimated time to arrival for each of the responder assets. In furtherembodiments, a display of the communication device presents an estimatedtravel distance between each of the responder assets and thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the responder assets compriseat least two responders. In some embodiments, the responder assetscomprise at least three responders. In some embodiments, the currentlocation of the communication device is calculated using at least one ofGPS, cellular network triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetoothtriangulation, received signal strength from at least one cellular basestation, received signal strength of at least one Wi-Fi router, andreceived signal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon. In someembodiments, the current location of the communication device isdetermined by the communication device. In some embodiments, the currentlocation of the communication device is determined by the emergencymanagement system. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is determined by a third party server. In someembodiments, the emergency management system obtains locationinformation for the communication device before receiving the indicationof an emergency situation. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem periodically obtains updated location information for thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem pre-selects the emergency dispatch center based on a currentlocation of the communication device before receiving the emergencyalert. In some embodiments, the emergency management system pre-selectsa new emergency dispatch center based on an updated current location ofthe communication device before receiving the emergency alert, whereinsaid updated current location is within a jurisdiction of the newemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the emergency managementsystem stores the emergency dispatch center serving the current locationof the communication device. In some embodiments, the emergencymanagement system stores the emergency dispatch center as an emergencycontact for receiving an emergency alert. In some embodiments, theapplication further comprises a software module obtaining emergencyinformation comprising at least one of user information, medicalinformation, environmental information, emergency type, and sensor data.In further embodiments, the responder assets are selected based on atleast one of the emergency type and the current location information forthe communication device. In further embodiments, emergency type isselected from the group consisting of medical emergency, fire emergency,police emergency, and car accident. In further embodiments, the sensordata is obtained from one or more sensors of the communication device.In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors physically separate from the communication device. In furtherembodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet of Thingssensor, or a vehicular sensor. In further embodiments, sensor datacomprises at least one of environmental parameters and physiologicalparameters. In further embodiments, sensor data is obtained from asensor selected from the group consisting of: a thermometer, anelectrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxidesensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flow sensor, an airspeed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an airpressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, a photodetector, a Geigercounter, a magnetic field sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, anacid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardous chemical sensor, a vibrationsensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a smog sensor, and a videocamera; wherein a physiological parameter is obtained from a sensorselected from the group consisting of a heart rate monitor, athermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, an electrolytesensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create a server application comprising: a)a software module receiving a request for emergency assistance from acommunication device; b) a software module obtaining emergencyinformation comprising location information for the communicationdevice; c) a software module identifying an emergency dispatch centerfor responding to the emergency situation from a plurality of emergencydispatch centers based on the location information; d) a software modulesending an emergency alert for the emergency situation to the emergencydispatch center; e) a software module providing the emergencyinformation comprising the location information for the emergencysituation to the emergency dispatch center; and f) a software modulefacilitating data exchange between the at least one communication deviceand the emergency dispatch center by processing data into a formatcompatible with a recipient of the data. In some embodiments, theapplication further comprises a software module obtaining emergencyresponse information for responder assets assigned to the emergencysituation from the emergency dispatch center and providing the emergencyresponse information to the communication device. In furtherembodiments, the emergency response information comprises a currentlocation for each responder. In further embodiments, the emergencyresponse information comprises an estimated time to arrival for each ofthe responder assets based on a current location for each of theresponder assets and the communication device. In further embodiments,the emergency response information comprises an estimated distancebetween each of the responder assets and the communication device. Infurther embodiments, a display of the communication device presents adigital map showing a current location for each of the communicationdevice and the responder assets. In further embodiments, a display ofthe communication device presents an estimated time to arrival for eachof the responder assets. In further embodiments, a display of thecommunication device presents an estimated travel distance between eachof the responder assets and the communication device. In someembodiments, the responder assets comprise at least two responders. Insome embodiments, the responder assets comprise at least threeresponders. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is calculated using at least one of GPS, cellularnetwork triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation,received signal strength from at least one cellular base station,received signal strength of at least one Wi-Fi router, and receivedsignal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon. In some embodiments,the current location of the communication device is determined by thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the current location of thecommunication device is determined by the emergency management system.In some embodiments, the current location of the communication device isdetermined by a third party server. In some embodiments, the emergencymanagement system obtains location information for the communicationdevice before receiving the indication of an emergency situation. Insome embodiments, the emergency management system periodically obtainsupdated location information for the communication device. In someembodiments, the emergency management system pre-selects the emergencydispatch center based on a current location of the communication devicebefore receiving the emergency alert. In some embodiments, the emergencymanagement system pre-selects a new emergency dispatch center based onan updated current location of the communication device before receivingthe emergency alert, wherein said updated current location is within ajurisdiction of the new emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments,the emergency management system stores the emergency dispatch centerserving the current location of the communication device. In someembodiments, the emergency management system stores the emergencydispatch center as an emergency contact for receiving an emergencyalert. In some embodiments, the application further comprises a softwaremodule obtaining emergency information comprising at least one of userinformation, medical information, environmental information, emergencytype, and sensor data. In further embodiments, the responder assets areselected based on at least one of the emergency type and the currentlocation information for the communication device. In furtherembodiments, emergency type is selected from the group consisting ofmedical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, and car accident.In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or moresensors of the communication device. In further embodiments, the sensordata is obtained from one or more sensors physically separate from thecommunication device. In further embodiments, a sensor is a wearablesensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In furtherembodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensordata is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are methods of facilitating dataexchange between parties to an emergency situation, the methodcomprising: a) obtaining, by the emergency management system, locationinformation for a plurality of communication devices; b) storing, by theemergency management system, the location information in a locationinformation database; c) formatting, by the emergency management system,the location information in a standard format compatible with industrystandards for location based information storage and retrieval foremergency response; d) receiving, by the emergency management system, arequest for location information for at least one device of theplurality of communication devices, said request sent by a requestingdevice; e) authenticating, by the emergency management system, therequesting device for access to the location information; and f)providing, by the emergency management system, the location informationto the requesting device. In some embodiments, the requesting device isa computer console of an emergency dispatch center dispatcher. In someembodiments, the requesting device is a communication device of aresponder assigned to an emergency situation associated with the atleast one device. In some embodiments, the location information for theat least one device comprises a current location obtained using at leastone of GPS, cellular network triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation,Bluetooth triangulation, received signal strength from at least onecellular base station, received signal strength of at least one Wi-Firouter, and received signal strength of at least one Bluetooth beacon.In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining, by theemergency management system, emergency information selected from userinformation, medical information, environmental information, emergencytype, and sensor data. In further embodiments, the emergency type isselected from medical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, andvehicle accident. In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtainedfrom one or more sensors of the communication device. In furtherembodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or more sensorsphysically separate from the communication device. In yet furtherembodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet of Thingssensor, or a vehicular sensor. In further embodiments, sensor datacomprises at least one of environmental parameters and physiologicalparameters. In further embodiments, sensor data is obtained from asensor selected from the group consisting of: a thermometer, anelectrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxidesensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flow sensor, an airspeed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an airpressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, a photodetector, a Geigercounter, a magnetic field sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, anacid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardous chemical sensor, a vibrationsensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a smog sensor, and a videocamera; wherein a physiological parameter is obtained from a sensorselected from the group consisting of a heart rate monitor, athermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, an electrolytesensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are emergency management systemscomprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element, and acomputer program including instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule obtaining location information for a plurality of communicationdevices; b) a software module storing the location information in alocation information database; c) a software module formatting thelocation information in a standard format compatible with industrystandards for location based information storage and retrieval foremergency response; d) a software module receiving a request forlocation information for at least one device of the plurality ofcommunication devices, said request sent by a requesting device; e) asoftware module authenticating the requesting device for access to thelocation information; and f) a software module providing the locationinformation to the requesting device. In some embodiments, therequesting device is a computer console of an emergency dispatch centerdispatcher. In some embodiments, the requesting device is acommunication device of a responder assigned to an emergency situationassociated with the at least one device. In some embodiments, thelocation information for the at least one device comprises a currentlocation obtained using at least one of GPS, cellular networktriangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation, receivedsignal strength from at least one cellular base station, received signalstrength of at least one Wi-Fi router, and received signal strength ofat least one Bluetooth beacon. In some embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module obtaining emergency informationselected from user information, medical information, environmentalinformation, emergency type, and sensor data. In further embodiments,the emergency type is selected from medical emergency, fire emergency,police emergency, and vehicle accident. In further embodiments, thesensor data is obtained from one or more sensors of the communicationdevice. In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one ormore sensors physically separate from the communication device. In yetfurther embodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet ofThings sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In further embodiments, sensordata comprises at least one of environmental parameters andphysiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensor data isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create a server application comprising: a)a software module obtaining location information for a plurality ofcommunication devices; b) a software module storing the locationinformation in a location information database; c) a software moduleformatting the location information in a standard format compatible withindustry standards for location based information storage and retrievalfor emergency response; d) a software module receiving a request forlocation information for at least one device of the plurality ofcommunication devices, said request sent by a requesting device; e) asoftware module authenticating the requesting device for access to thelocation information; and f) a software module providing the locationinformation to the requesting device. In some embodiments, therequesting device is a computer console of an emergency dispatch centerdispatcher. In some embodiments, the requesting device is acommunication device of a responder assigned to an emergency situationassociated with the at least one device. In some embodiments, thelocation information for the at least one device comprises a currentlocation obtained using at least one of GPS, cellular networktriangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation, receivedsignal strength from at least one cellular base station, received signalstrength of at least one Wi-Fi router, and received signal strength ofat least one Bluetooth beacon. In some embodiments, the applicationfurther comprises a software module obtaining emergency informationselected from user information, medical information, environmentalinformation, emergency type, and sensor data. In further embodiments,the emergency type is selected from medical emergency, fire emergency,police emergency, and vehicle accident. In further embodiments, thesensor data is obtained from one or more sensors of the communicationdevice. In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one ormore sensors physically separate from the communication device. In yetfurther embodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet ofThings sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In further embodiments, sensordata comprises at least one of environmental parameters andphysiological parameters. In further embodiments, sensor data isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of: athermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, acarbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flowsensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are methods of facilitating dataexchange during an emergency situation, the method comprising: a)receiving, by an emergency management system, a plurality of emergencycommunications from a plurality of communication devices, each emergencycommunication corresponding to an emergency situation for a user of acommunication device; b) obtaining, by the emergency management system,location information for the plurality of communication devices; c)determining, by the emergency management system, a current locationbased on the location information for each communication device; d)determining, by the emergency management system, an emergency dispatchcenter responsible for a jurisdiction of the location of eachcommunication device; e) sending, by the emergency management system, anemergency alert to an emergency dispatch center for each of theplurality of emergency communications, said emergency alert comprising acurrent location for a corresponding communication device; and f)facilitating, by the emergency management system, data exchange betweenthe communication device and the emergency service by processing datainto a format compatible with each recipient of said data.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are emergency management systemscomprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element, and acomputer program including instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule receiving a plurality of emergency communications from aplurality of communication devices, each emergency communicationcorresponding to an emergency situation for a user of a communicationdevice; b) a software module obtaining location information for theplurality of communication devices; c) a software module determining acurrent location based on the location information for eachcommunication device; d) a software module determining an emergencydispatch center responsible for a jurisdiction of the location of eachcommunication device; e) a software module sending an emergency alert toan emergency dispatch center for each of the plurality of emergencycommunications, said emergency alert comprising a current location for acorresponding communication device; and f) a software modulefacilitating data exchange between the communication device and theemergency service by processing data into a format compatible with eachrecipient of said data.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create a server application comprising: a)a software module receiving a plurality of emergency communications froma plurality of communication devices, each emergency communicationcorresponding to an emergency situation for a user of a communicationdevice; b) a software module obtaining location information for theplurality of communication devices; c) a software module determining acurrent location based on the location information for eachcommunication device; d) a software module determining an emergencydispatch center responsible for a jurisdiction of the location of eachcommunication device; e) a software module sending an emergency alert toan emergency dispatch center for each of the plurality of emergencycommunications, said emergency alert comprising a current location for acorresponding communication device; and f) a software modulefacilitating data exchange between the communication device and theemergency service by processing data into a format compatible with eachrecipient of said data.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are methods of managing access todata, the method comprising: a) receiving, by an emergency managementsystem, a request to access data and an authorization code from arequesting device; b) checking, by the emergency management system, theauthorization code to determine that the requesting device is authorizedto access the data; c) obtaining, by the emergency management system,the requested data; and d) sending, by the emergency management system,the requested data in a format compatible with the requesting device. Insome embodiments, the requesting device is a computer console of anemergency dispatch center dispatcher. In some embodiments, therequesting device is a communication device of a responder assigned toan emergency situation associated with the at least one device. In someembodiments, the method further comprising obtaining, by the emergencymanagement system, emergency information selected from user information,medical information, environmental information, emergency type, andsensor data. In further embodiments, emergency type is selected frommedical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, and vehicleaccident. In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtained from oneor more sensors of the communication device. In further embodiments, thesensor data is obtained from one or more sensors physically separatefrom the communication device. In yet further embodiments, a sensor is awearable sensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. Inyet further embodiments, sensor data comprises at least one ofenvironmental parameters and physiological parameters. In yet furtherembodiments, sensor data is obtained from a sensor selected from thegroup consisting of: a thermometer, an electrical conductance meter, acarbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, anoxygen sensor, an air flow sensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer,a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisturesensor, a photodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, amotion sensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, ahazardous chemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organiccompound sensor, a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein aphysiological parameter is obtained from a sensor selected from thegroup consisting of a heart rate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer,a blood glucose monitor, an electrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor,a blood oxygen sensor, an electromyography sensor, anelectroencephalogram sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a bodyhydration sensor, and a blood alcohol sensor.

In some aspects, disclosed herein are emergency management systemscomprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element, and acomputer program including instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule receiving a request to access data and an authorization code froma requesting device; b) a software module checking the authorizationcode to determine that the requesting device is authorized to access thedata; c) a software module obtaining the requested data; and d) asoftware module sending the requested data in a format compatible withthe requesting device. In some embodiments, the requesting device is acomputer console of an emergency dispatch center dispatcher. In someembodiments, the requesting device is a communication device of aresponder assigned to an emergency situation associated with the atleast one device. In some embodiments, the application further comprisesa software module obtaining emergency information selected from userinformation, medical information, environmental information, emergencytype, and sensor data. In further embodiments, emergency type isselected from medical emergency, fire emergency, police emergency, andvehicle accident. In further embodiments, the sensor data is obtainedfrom one or more sensors of the communication device. In furtherembodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or more sensorsphysically separate from the communication device. In yet furtherembodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an Internet of Thingssensor, or a vehicular sensor. In yet further embodiments, sensor datacomprises at least one of environmental parameters and physiologicalparameters. In yet further embodiments, sensor data is obtained from asensor selected from the group consisting of: a thermometer, anelectrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxidesensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flow sensor, an airspeed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an airpressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, a photodetector, a Geigercounter, a magnetic field sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, anacid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardous chemical sensor, a vibrationsensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a smog sensor, and a videocamera; wherein a physiological parameter is obtained from a sensorselected from the group consisting of a heart rate monitor, athermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, an electrolytesensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create a server application comprising: a)a software module receiving a request to access data and anauthorization code from a requesting device; b) a software modulechecking the authorization code to determine that the requesting deviceis authorized to access the data; c) a software module obtaining therequested data; and d) a software module sending the requested data in aformat compatible with the requesting device. In some embodiments, therequesting device is a computer console of an emergency dispatch centerdispatcher. In some embodiments, the requesting device is acommunication device of a responder assigned to an emergency situationassociated with the at least one device. In some embodiments, theapplication further comprises a software module obtaining emergencyinformation selected from user information, medical information,environmental information, emergency type, and sensor data. In furtherembodiments, emergency type is selected from medical emergency, fireemergency, police emergency, and vehicle accident. In furtherembodiments, the sensor data is obtained from one or more sensors of thecommunication device. In further embodiments, the sensor data isobtained from one or more sensors physically separate from thecommunication device. In yet further embodiments, a sensor is a wearablesensor, an Internet of Things sensor, or a vehicular sensor. In yetfurther embodiments, sensor data comprises at least one of environmentalparameters and physiological parameters. In yet further embodiments,sensor data is obtained from a sensor selected from the group consistingof: a thermometer, an electrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxidesensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, anair flow sensor, an air speed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, an air pressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, aphotodetector, a Geiger counter, a magnetic field sensor, a motionsensor, a sound sensor, an acid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardouschemical sensor, a vibration sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor,a smog sensor, and a video camera; wherein a physiological parameter isobtained from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a heartrate monitor, a thermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, anelectrolyte sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate embodiments of the device, emergencymanagement system, and software applications for the device, emergencymanagement system and PSAP system;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of a communication devicetraveling from one area to another;

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a system for detecting a change in thejurisdiction of the PSAP;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process for a communication device to sharelocation data;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process forupdating location data;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system for providingforecast for responders;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for communicatinginformation about responders;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method by which acommunication device receives and displays information about responders;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for providing aforecast for first responder response;

FIGS. 10A-10C depict exemplary screenshots of a communication device;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of one embodiment of a system for storing andretrieving location data; and

FIG. 12 is an illustration of one embodiment of a method for detectingand sharing location data in a format compatible with industrystandards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are methods for updating anemergency dispatch center for communicating with a communication deviceduring an emergency situation, the method comprising: a) managing, by anemergency management system, one or more communications sent between acommunication device and a first emergency dispatch center for theemergency situation; b) determining, by the emergency management system,that a second emergency dispatch center is more suitable than the firstemergency dispatch center for responding to the emergency situation; andc) updating, by the emergency management system, the first emergencydispatch center to the second emergency dispatch center forcommunicating with the communication device during the emergencysituation.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are emergency managementsystems comprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element,and a computer program including instructions executable by the at leastone processor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule managing one or more communications sent between a communicationdevice and a first emergency dispatch center for the emergencysituation; b) a software module determining that a second emergencydispatch center is more suitable than the first emergency dispatchcenter for responding to the emergency situation; and c) a softwaremodule updating the first emergency dispatch center to the secondemergency dispatch center for communicating with the communicationdevice during the emergency situation.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by a processor to create a serverapplication comprising: a) a software module managing one or morecommunications sent between a communication device and a first emergencydispatch center for the emergency situation; b) a software moduledetermining that a second emergency dispatch center is more suitablethan the first emergency dispatch center for responding to the emergencysituation; and c) a software module updating the first emergencydispatch center to the second emergency dispatch center forcommunicating with the communication device during the emergencysituation.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are methods for updating anemergency dispatch center for communicating with a communication deviceduring an emergency situation, the method comprising: a) sending, by thecommunication device, one or more communications to a first emergencydispatch center; b) determining, by the communication device, that thesecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable than the firstemergency dispatch center for responding to the emergency situation; andc) updating, by the communication device, the first emergency dispatchcenter to the second emergency dispatch center for communicating withthe communication device during the emergency situation.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are communication devicescomprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element, and acomputer program including instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to create an application comprising: a) a software modulesending one or more communications to a first emergency dispatch centerfor an emergency situation; b) a software module determining that asecond emergency dispatch center is more suitable than the firstemergency dispatch center for responding to the emergency situation; andc) a software module updating the first emergency dispatch center to thesecond emergency dispatch center for communicating with thecommunication device during the emergency situation.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by a processor to create a serverapplication comprising: a) a software module sending one or morecommunications to a first emergency dispatch center for an emergencysituation; b) a software module determining that a second emergencydispatch center is more suitable than the first emergency dispatchcenter for responding to the emergency situation; and c) a softwaremodule updating the first emergency dispatch center to the secondemergency dispatch center for communicating with the communicationdevice during the emergency situation.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are methods of providing aresponder forecast for a responder to a communication device during anemergency situation, the method comprising: a) managing, by an emergencymanagement system, an emergency communication session between thecommunication device and an emergency dispatch center during anemergency situation; b) obtaining, by the emergency management system, acurrent location for the communication device; c) obtaining, by theemergency management system, information about responder assets inproximity to the current location of the communication device; d)determining, by the emergency management system, a responder forecastbased on the responder information and the current location for thecommunication device; and e) providing, by the emergency managementsystem, the responder forecast to the communication device.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are emergency managementsystems comprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element,and a computer program including instructions executable by the at leastone processor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule managing an emergency communication session between thecommunication device and an emergency dispatch center during anemergency situation; b) a software module obtaining a current locationfor the communication device; c) a software module obtaining informationabout responder assets in proximity to the current location of thecommunication device; d) a software module determining a responderforecast based on the responder information and the current location forthe communication device; and e) a software module providing theresponder forecast to the communication device.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by a processor to create a serverapplication comprising: a) a software module managing an emergencycommunication session between the communication device and an emergencydispatch center during an emergency situation; b) a software moduleobtaining a current location for the communication device; c) a softwaremodule obtaining information about responder assets in proximity to thecurrent location of the communication device; d) a software moduledetermining a responder forecast based on the responder information andthe current location for the communication device; and e) a softwaremodule providing the responder forecast to the communication device.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of obtaining aresponder forecast during an emergency situation, the method comprising:a) communicating, by a communication device, with an emergency dispatchcenter over an emergency communication session during an emergencysituation; b) providing, by the communication device, a current locationfor the communication device to the emergency dispatch center; and c)obtaining, by the communication device, a responder forecast forresponder assets assigned to respond to the emergency situation from theemergency service.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are communication devicescomprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element, and acomputer program including instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to create an application comprising: a) a software modulecommunicating with an emergency dispatch center over an emergencycommunication session during an emergency situation; b) a softwaremodule providing a current location for the communication device to theemergency dispatch center; and c) a software module obtaining aresponder forecast for responder assets assigned to respond to theemergency situation from the emergency service.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by a processor to create anapplication comprising: a) a software module communicating with anemergency dispatch center over an emergency communication session duringan emergency situation; b) a software module providing a currentlocation for the communication device to the emergency dispatch center;and c) a software module obtaining a responder forecast for responderassets assigned to respond to the emergency situation from the emergencyservice.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of providing aresponder forecast for responder assets to a communication device, themethod comprising: a) managing, by an emergency management system, anemergency communication session between a communication device and anemergency dispatch center; b) obtaining, by the emergency managementsystem, a current location for the communication device; c) determining,by the emergency management system, a type of emergency service that issent in response to the emergency situation; d) estimating, by theemergency management system, a responder forecast based on at least oneof historical and statistical data; e) adjusting, by the emergencymanagement system, the responder forecast based on current conditions;and f) providing, by the emergency management system, the responderforecast to a communication device of a user based on user type.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are methods of facilitatingdata exchange during an emergency situation, the method comprising: a)receiving, by an emergency management system, a request for emergencyassistance from a communication device; b) obtaining, by the emergencymanagement system, emergency information comprising location informationfor the communication device; c) identifying, by the emergencymanagement system, an emergency dispatch center for responding to theemergency situation from a plurality of emergency dispatch centers basedon the location information; d) sending, by the emergency managementsystem, an emergency alert for the emergency situation to the emergencydispatch center; e) providing, by the emergency management system, theemergency information comprising the location information for theemergency situation to the emergency dispatch center; and f)facilitating, by the emergency management system, data exchange betweenthe at least one communication device and the emergency dispatch centerby processing data into a format compatible with a recipient of thedata.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are emergency managementsystems comprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element,and a computer program including instructions executable by the at leastone processor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule receiving a request for emergency assistance from a communicationdevice; b) a software module obtaining emergency information comprisinglocation information for the communication device; c) a software moduleidentifying an emergency dispatch center for responding to the emergencysituation from a plurality of emergency dispatch centers based on thelocation information; d) a software module sending an emergency alertfor the emergency situation to the emergency dispatch center; e) asoftware module providing the emergency information comprising thelocation information for the emergency situation to the emergencydispatch center; and f) a software module facilitating data exchangebetween the at least one communication device and the emergency dispatchcenter by processing data into a format compatible with a recipient ofthe data.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by a processor to create a serverapplication comprising: a) a software module receiving a request foremergency assistance from a communication device; b) a software moduleobtaining emergency information comprising location information for thecommunication device; c) a software module identifying an emergencydispatch center for responding to the emergency situation from aplurality of emergency dispatch centers based on the locationinformation; d) a software module sending an emergency alert for theemergency situation to the emergency dispatch center; e) a softwaremodule providing the emergency information comprising the locationinformation for the emergency situation to the emergency dispatchcenter; and f) a software module facilitating data exchange between theat least one communication device and the emergency dispatch center byprocessing data into a format compatible with a recipient of the data.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are methods of facilitatingdata exchange between parties to an emergency situation, the methodcomprising: a) obtaining, by the emergency management system, locationinformation for a plurality of communication devices; b) storing, by theemergency management system, the location information in a locationinformation database; c) formatting, by the emergency management system,the location information in a standard format compatible with industrystandards for location based information storage and retrieval foremergency response; d) receiving, by the emergency management system, arequest for location information for at least one device of theplurality of communication devices, said request sent by a requestingdevice; e) authenticating, by the emergency management system, therequesting device for access to the location information; and f)providing, by the emergency management system, the location informationto the requesting device.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are emergency managementsystems comprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element,and a computer program including instructions executable by the at leastone processor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule obtaining location information for a plurality of communicationdevices; b) a software module storing the location information in alocation information database; c) a software module formatting thelocation information in a standard format compatible with industrystandards for location based information storage and retrieval foremergency response; d) a software module receiving a request forlocation information for at least one device of the plurality ofcommunication devices, said request sent by a requesting device; e) asoftware module authenticating the requesting device for access to thelocation information; and f) a software module providing the locationinformation to the requesting device.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by a processor to create a serverapplication comprising: a) a software module obtaining locationinformation for a plurality of communication devices; b) a softwaremodule storing the location information in a location informationdatabase; c) a software module formatting the location information in astandard format compatible with industry standards for location basedinformation storage and retrieval for emergency response; d) a softwaremodule receiving a request for location information for at least onedevice of the plurality of communication devices, said request sent by arequesting device; e) a software module authenticating the requestingdevice for access to the location information; and f) a software moduleproviding the location information to the requesting device.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are methods of facilitatingdata exchange during an emergency situation, the method comprising: a)receiving, by an emergency management system, a plurality of emergencycommunications from a plurality of communication devices, each emergencycommunication corresponding to an emergency situation for a user of acommunication device; b) obtaining, by the emergency management system,location information for the plurality of communication devices; c)determining, by the emergency management system, a current locationbased on the location information for each communication device; d)determining, by the emergency management system, an emergency dispatchcenter responsible for a jurisdiction of the location of eachcommunication device; e) sending, by the emergency management system, anemergency alert to an emergency dispatch center for each of theplurality of emergency communications, said emergency alert comprising acurrent location for a corresponding communication device; and f)facilitating, by the emergency management system, data exchange betweenthe communication device and the emergency service by processing datainto a format compatible with each recipient of said data.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are emergency managementsystems comprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element,and a computer program including instructions executable by the at leastone processor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule receiving a plurality of emergency communications from aplurality of communication devices, each emergency communicationcorresponding to an emergency situation for a user of a communicationdevice; b) a software module obtaining location information for theplurality of communication devices; c) a software module determining acurrent location based on the location information for eachcommunication device; d) a software module determining an emergencydispatch center responsible for a jurisdiction of the location of eachcommunication device; e) a software module sending an emergency alert toan emergency dispatch center for each of the plurality of emergencycommunications, said emergency alert comprising a current location for acorresponding communication device; and f) a software modulefacilitating data exchange between the communication device and theemergency service by processing data into a format compatible with eachrecipient of said data.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by a processor to create a serverapplication comprising: a) a software module receiving a plurality ofemergency communications from a plurality of communication devices, eachemergency communication corresponding to an emergency situation for auser of a communication device; b) a software module obtaining locationinformation for the plurality of communication devices; c) a softwaremodule determining a current location based on the location informationfor each communication device; d) a software module determining anemergency dispatch center responsible for a jurisdiction of the locationof each communication device; e) a software module sending an emergencyalert to an emergency dispatch center for each of the plurality ofemergency communications, said emergency alert comprising a currentlocation for a corresponding communication device; and f) a softwaremodule facilitating data exchange between the communication device andthe emergency service by processing data into a format compatible witheach recipient of said data.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are methods of managing accessto data, the method comprising: a) receiving, by an emergency managementsystem, a request to access data and an authorization code from arequesting device; b) checking, by the emergency management system, theauthorization code to determine that the requesting device is authorizedto access the data; c) obtaining, by the emergency management system,the requested data; and d) sending, by the emergency management system,the requested data in a format compatible with the requesting device.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are emergency managementsystems comprising at least one processor, a memory, a network element,and a computer program including instructions executable by the at leastone processor to create a server application comprising: a) a softwaremodule receiving a request to access data and an authorization code froma requesting device; b) a software module checking the authorizationcode to determine that the requesting device is authorized to access thedata; c) a software module obtaining the requested data; and d) asoftware module sending the requested data in a format compatible withthe requesting device.

In certain embodiments, disclosed herein are non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media encoded with a computer programincluding instructions executable by a processor to create a serverapplication comprising: a) a software module receiving a request toaccess data and an authorization code from a requesting device; b) asoftware module checking the authorization code to determine that therequesting device is authorized to access the data; c) a software moduleobtaining the requested data; and d) a software module sending therequested data in a format compatible with the requesting device.

Certain Terminologies

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich this invention belongs. As used in this specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any referenceto “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwisestated.

As used herein, a “device” is a digital processing device designed withone or more functionality. A “communication device” refers to a devicewith a communication component, which will allow it to send and receiveinformation over a wireless channel, a wired channel, or any combinationthereof (e.g., sending/receiving information over the Internet).Exemplary communication devices include a mobile phone (e.g., asmartphone), a laptop, a desktop, a tablet, a radio (e.g., a two-wayradio), and a vehicular communication system. In some embodiments, acommunication device includes a car security system (e.g., OnStar®), ahome security system, or a home control system (e.g., a networkedcontrol system for providing network controlled and/or smart temperaturecontrol such as a Wi-Fi smart thermostat, lighting, entertainment,and/or door control). In some embodiments, a communication device is awearable device (e.g., a communication device worn by a user). In someembodiments, a communication (e.g., a wearable device) comprises one ormore sensors. In some embodiments, a communication device is connectedto a communication network, for example, a cellular network or theInternet. As used herein, a “mobile wireless device” refers to a devicethat is portable and communicates wirelessly. In some embodiments, auser wears or carries the mobile wireless device on the user's person orin the user's vehicle. Exemplary mobile wireless devices include mobileor cellular phones, wearable devices (e.g., smart watch, fitnesstracker, wearable sensor, smart glasses, etc.).

As used herein, a “request for assistance” refers to a request ormessage sent to a recipient asking for help. In some embodiments, anemergency alert is a request for assistance. In some embodiments, anemergency alert comprises a request for assistance. In some embodiments,an emergency alert comprises a request for assistance and digitalinformation associated with the request for assistance. In someembodiments, a request for assistance is an emergency request forassistance (e.g., the request is associated with an emergencysituation). In some embodiments, a request for assistance is associatedwith an emergency situation. In some embodiments, a request forassistance comprises an emergency indication. In further embodiments, anemergency indication is selected from one or more of the groupconsisting of traffic accident, police emergency, medical emergency, andfire emergency. In some embodiments, a request for assistance isassociated with a non-emergency situation (e.g., request for a tow truckafter car breaks down). In some embodiments, a request for assistance isassociated with a device sending the request. In other embodiments, arequest for assistance is associated with a device not sending therequest. As used herein, a request is “associated” with a device or userwhen the request relates to an emergency or non-emergency situationinvolving the device or user. In some embodiments, a request comprisesdata associated with a device (or user thereof). In some embodiments, arequest comprises a data set associated with a device. For example, insome embodiments, a request comprises a data set associated with adevice, wherein the data set comprises current location data. In otherembodiments, a request for assistance is sent and/or received separatelyfrom data associated with a device. For example, in some embodiments, arequest is sent first, and the recipient subsequently queries the devicethat sent the request for data or a data set associated with theemergency and/or device or user involved in the emergency.Alternatively, in some embodiments, a request is sent first, and therecipient subsequently queries the device associated with the emergencyfor data or a data set associated with the emergency and/or device oruser involved in the emergency.

As used herein, a “first responder” or “responder” refers to any personor persons responsible for addressing an emergency situation. In someembodiments, a first responder refers to government personnelresponsible for addressing an emergency situation. In some embodiments,a first responder is responsible for a particular jurisdiction (e.g., amunicipality, a township, a county, etc.). In some embodiments, a firstresponder is assigned to an emergency by an emergency dispatch center.In some embodiments, a first responder responds to a request foremergency assistance placed by a user via a user communication device.In some embodiments, a first responder is a person assigned by a privatecompany or organization to respond to an emergency situation. In someembodiments, a first responder includes one or more fire fighters,police officers, emergency medical personnel, community volunteers,private security, security personnel at a university, or other personsemployed to protect and serve the public and/or certain subsets of thepopulation. In some embodiments, a first responder is a person assignedby a private towing service to tow a vehicle that has malfunctioned. Insome embodiments, a first responder is assigned by a private company(such as a taxi company) to respond to an emergency for one of the taxivehicles in its fleet.

As used herein, “responder assets” refers to one or more responders(e.g. first responders) to an emergency situation. In some embodiments,responder assets comprise medical assets (e.g. EMTs/ambulances). In someembodiments, responder assets comprise police assets. In someembodiments, responder assets comprise firefighter assets. In someembodiments, responder assets comprise private security assets. In someembodiments, responder assets comprise towing assets (e.g. tow truckassigned to tow a malfunctioning or damaged vehicle).

As used herein, an “emergency situation” or “emergency” refers to asituation requiring assistance or relief. In some embodiments, the needfor assistance or relief is urgent. In some embodiments, an emergencysituation requires an emergency response providing assistance or aid. Insome embodiments, an emergency situation requires assistance underurgent time pressure. In some embodiments, the emergency situation is avehicle accident or malfunction, a crime, a medical condition, a fire,or other situation requiring assistance.

As used herein, a “recipient” refers to one or more persons, services,or systems that receive a request for assistance. The recipient variesdepending on the type of request. In some embodiments, a recipient is anemergency service. In some embodiments, a recipient is an emergencyservice when the request for assistance pertains to an emergency (e.g.,a tier 2 emergency). In some embodiments, a recipient is an emergencymanagement system. In some embodiments, a recipient is an emergencydispatch center. In exemplary embodiments, an emergency dispatch centeris a public safety answering point which is a call center responsiblefor answering calls to an emergency phone number. In some embodiments,an emergency dispatch center is a private security dispatch center. Insome embodiments, an emergency dispatch center is a non-public dispatchcenter. In some embodiments, a recipient is an emergency dispatchcenter, wherein the request is first routed through an emergencymanagement system (e.g., request is sent to the EMS, but ultimately issent to an EDC). In some embodiments, a recipient is a first responder(e.g., a communication device of a first responder). In someembodiments, a recipient is a non-emergency service or personnel, forexample, a relative or friend. In such situations, a user of acommunication device (or member device or second device) does notrequire emergency assistance, but does need help. As an example, a userof a member device in a group of devices is a child who is lost in atheme park. The parent of the child has a communication device in thesame group of devices as the child's member device. The parent uses thecommunication device to send a request for assistance on behalf of thechild's member device to theme park security officers who are closer tothe child than the parent. Security is then able to pick up the childquickly using the data set associated with the member device, which theyare given authorization to access by the parent's communication device.

As used herein, a “user” refers to one or more person or personsassociated with a device (e.g., communication device, member device,second device, device of a first responder, etc). In some embodiments, auser utilizes a device to place a request for assistance. In someembodiments, user refers to one or more persons who are paid subscribersof a network access service, for example, cellular service subscribers.In some embodiments, a user refers to anyone who gains access to anetwork via a router, for example, a Wi-Fi router, and is not a paidsubscriber of any access service. In some embodiments, a deviceassociated with a user is a device carried or worn on the person of theuser (e.g., a phone or wearable device). In some embodiments, a deviceassociated with a user is not carried or worn on the person of the user(e.g., a home security sensor or camera installed in the home of theuser, a vehicle tracking system installed in a vehicle of the user,etc).

As used herein, “data” refers to electronically stored information (e.g.digital information). Accordingly, as an example, location informationand location data have the same meaning. In some embodiments, dataincludes digital information about one or more entities (e.g., user of auser communication device) and/or an environment that pertains tocharacteristics of the one or more entities. In some embodiments, anentity is a person. In some embodiments, an entity is a thing (e.g., ahouse or a device). For example, in some embodiments, data comprisessensor data from home sensors associated with a house. In this example,the data is also associated with one or more persons (e.g., thehomeowner(s) and/or inhabitant(s)). In some embodiments, data refers tometa-data. In some embodiments, data comprises health information aboutthe user of a communication device. In some embodiments, data comprisesinformation about the surrounding environment of the user of the usercommunication device (e.g., surrounding temperature, location,elevation, barometric pressure, ambient noise level, ambient lightlevel, surrounding geography, etc.). In some embodiments, data comprisesinformation about other users that is pre-stored in a device or in adatabase (e.g., a database within a group of devices who are related tothe user of the user communication device as predefined by the user). Insome embodiments, the data set comprises information from two or moreusers of user communication devices, wherein each user is affected bythe current emergency situation. As an example, two unrelated users areinvolved in a vehicular collision, and each user sends a separateemergency request (for traffic accident) using his/her communicationdevice. In this example, the separate emergency requests are associated(e.g., by an emergency management system and/or emergency dispatchcenter) with the same emergency based on the proximity of time,location, and emergency indication of the emergency requests. As aresult, the data set for this accident comprises information from bothuser communication devices. In this example, the data set compriseslocation information from both devices (e.g., GPS coordinates),biosensor data for one or both devices (e.g., biosensor data such asheart rate and blood pressure can be important in case of injury), andinformation about the vehicle driven by each user (e.g., make, model,and year of manufacture information stored on the device). In someembodiments, data comprises current data. In further embodiments,current data comprises information that is equal to or less than 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 minutes old,including increments therein. In further embodiments, current datacomprises information that equal to or less than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 hoursold. In some embodiments, data comprises historical data. In furtherembodiments, historical data comprises information that is equal to ormore than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or60 minutes old, including increments therein. In further embodiments,historical data comprises information that equal to or more than 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, or 24 hours old. In some embodiments, the age of information iscalculated from the date the information is first collected (e.g., whena sensor first detects a sensed parameter such as, for example, heartrate).

As used herein, “data set” refers to a collection of digital informationcomprising the most recent and relevant information about an emergencysituation and/or imminent emergency situation. Data set is usedinterchangeably with “meta-data set.” In some embodiments, a “data set”comprises information about a user, information about a surroundingenvironment of the user and/or the user device. In some embodiments, thedata set refers to a collection of information about an emergencysituation not involving a user (e.g., emergency situation involves adevice or something associated with the device). As an example, in oneembodiment, when a home security device sends an emergency request(e.g., fire emergency based on internal thermostat sensor readings) toan emergency service (e.g., local fire department), the data set for thehome security device comprises the sensor readings from one or morethermostats or heat sensors located around the home. In someembodiments, a data set is stored on a database or database cache of adevice (e.g., communication device). In some embodiments, a data set isstored on a database or database cache external to a device (e.g., on anetwork). In some embodiments, a data set is stored on a database ordatabase cache of an emergency management system.

As used herein, “emergency data” refers to digital information about aperson or a situation that provide awareness about the emergencysituation. In some embodiments, emergency data comprises information ondevices involved in the emergency situation (e.g., devices belonging topersons involved in the emergency situation). In some embodiments,emergency data comprises the type of emergency (e.g., car accident,crime, medical emergency, or fire emergency), data associated with theuser of the device requesting emergency assistance (e.g., location datafor the user's device), data about other users in the vicinity of theuser, and data about the devices involved in the emergency situation. Insome embodiments, emergency data comprises one or more of location data,health data, user data, and sensor data.

Location data, as the term is used herein, refers to digital informationfor at least one of GPS location information, Wi-Fi based locationinformation, location information manually entered by a user into theuser's communication device, position information from the cellularnetwork provider obtained via triangulation of the received signalstrengths from three or more separate cellular phone base stations,location information derived from received signal strengths indicators(RSSI) received at a Wi-Fi router and/or signal strengths of signalsreceived at a Wi-Fi router of digital signals sent from the usercommunication device, and any other form of location information. Insome embodiments, location data comprises a location of a devicedetermined using a location determination method. In furtherembodiments, a location determination method is selected from GPSsatellite triangulation, cell tower triangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation,Bluetooth triangulation, RSSI, time-of-flight, angle of arrival,fingerprinting, barometric pressure, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, location is determined using more than one method incombination to obtain a more accurate location. In some embodiments,location data comprises coordinates (e.g., XYZ coordinates, longitude,latitude, altitude, etc), an address (e.g., an address equivalent tocoordinates that provides a current dispatchable location for emergencyresponse). In some embodiments, location data comprises historicallocation (e.g., where user has traveled in the past). In someembodiments, historical location comprises one or more locations of theuser and/or user device equal to or greater than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or 60 minutes old, including increments therein. Insome embodiments, the historical location comprises one or morelocations of the user and/or user device equal to or greater than 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, or 24 hours old. In some embodiments, location data comprisescurrent location, wherein current location comprises one or morelocations of the user and/or user device within the past 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or 60 minutes, including increments therein.In some embodiments, location data comprises current location, whereincurrent location comprises one or more locations of the user and/or userdevice within the past 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 hours.

As used herein, “health data” refers to digital information associatedwith medical information of a user of a device. In some embodiments,health data comprises medical history such as, for example, pastillnesses, surgery, food and/or drug allergies, diseases, disorders,medical diagnostic information (e.g., genetic profile screen), or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, health data comprises familymedical history (e.g., family history of breast cancer). In someembodiments, health data comprises current health information such as,for example, current symptoms, current medications, and/or currentillnesses or diseases. In some embodiments, health data comprises userage, height, weight, blood type, and/or other biometrics. In someembodiments, health data comprises a “limited data set” of identifiablepatient information as defined by the Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act (HIPAA) (e.g., for purposes of protecting patientconfidentiality and/or privacy). In some embodiments, medical historycomprises medical information that is equal to or more than 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,or 24 hours old. In some embodiments, medical history comprises medicalinformation that is equal to or more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, or 30 days old. In some embodiments, current health informationcomprises information that is equal to or less than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24hours old. In some embodiments, current health information comprisesmedical information that is equal to or less than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 days old.

As used herein, “user data” refers to digital information associatedwith a user of a device. In some embodiments, user data comprises useridentity, user name, height, weight, eye color, hair color, ethnicity,national origin, religion, language(s) spoken, vision (e.g., whetheruser needs corrective lenses), home address, work address, occupation,family information, user contact information, emergency contactinformation, social security number, alien registration number, driver'slicense number, vehicle VIN, organ donor (e.g., whether user is an organdonor), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, user data isobtained via user input.

As used herein, “sensor data” refers to digital information obtained orprovided by one or more sensors. In some instances, a sensor isassociated with a device (e.g., user has a communication device with adata link via Bluetooth with a wearable sensor, such as, for example, aheart rate monitor or a pedometer). Accordingly, in some embodiments,the device obtains sensor data from the sensor (e.g., heart rate fromthe heart rate monitor or distance traveled from the pedometer). In someinstances, the sensor data is relevant to an emergency situation (e.g.,heart rate during a cardiac emergency event). In some embodiments, asensor and/or sensor device comprises an acoustic sensor, abreathalyzer, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, aninfrared sensor, an oxygen sensor, an ozone monitor, a pH sensor, asmoke detector, a current sensor (e.g., detects electric current in awire), a magnetometer, a metal detector, a radio direction finder, avoltage detector, an air flow meter, an anemometer, a flow sensor, a gasmeter, a water meter, a Geiger counter, an altimeter, an air speedindicator, a depth gauge, a gyroscope, a compass, an odometer, a shockdetector (e.g., on a football helmet to measure impact), a barometer, apressure gauge (e.g., to estimate altitude for locating which floor aperson is on during an emergency), a thermometer, a proximity sensor, amotion detector (e.g., in a home security system), an occupancy sensor,or any combination thereof, and in some embodiments, sensor datacomprises information obtained from any of the preceding sensors. Insome embodiments, a sensor is installed on a vehicle such as a car. Insome embodiments, a vehicle sensor comprises one or more of anaccelerometer, camera (e.g., providing photos and/or video feed),collision sensor, throttle position sensor, manifold absolute pressuresensor, engine coolant temperature sensor, mass air flow sensor,crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, detonation sensor,oxygen sensor, intake air temperature sensor, EGR position sensor, EGRtemperature sensor, air-fuel ratio meter, blind spot monitor, curbfeeler, defect detector, parking sensor, radar gun, speedometer, tirepressure sensor, torque sensor, transmission fluid temperature sensor,vehicle speed sensor, water sensor, and wheel speed sensor. In someembodiments, one or more sensors are physically separate from a userdevice. In further embodiments, the one or more sensors authorize theuser device to obtain sensor data. In further embodiments, the one ormore sensors provide or send sensor data to the user deviceautonomously. In some embodiments, the user device and the one or moresensors belong to the same group of devices, wherein member devices areauthorized to share data. In some embodiments, a user device comprisesone or more sensors (e.g., user device is a wearable device having asensor or sensing component). In some embodiments, sensors arecalibrated using one or more calibration standards or calibrationprocess to provide known accuracies or uncertainties in the sensorvalues.

As used herein, “communication link” refers to a communication pathwayfrom a device (e.g., communication device) to another device or to anintermediate device (e.g., a router) on a network. In some embodiments,the communication device establishes a communication link with anotherdevice or an intermediate device to transfer information (e.g., alocation of the device) or to obtain information from a recipient suchas, for example, location of a first responder assigned to a request forassistance associated with the communication device (e.g., device offirst responder). A communication link refers to the point-to-pointcommunication channels, point-to-point and end-to-end data sessions, andthe physical hardware facilitating the communication channel(s) (e.g.,antennas used to communicate/transmit information). In some embodiments,a data session comprises session parameters and the network route takenfrom one device to another device.

As used herein, a “data channel” refers to a communication sessionbetween two devices wherein data packets are exchanged between thedevices. In some embodiments, a data session is setup using exchange ofcertain data packets, also called as “handshake signals,” which are ableto define the capabilities of the data session. For example, in someembodiments, the data session “handshake” provides for the ability totransfer multi-media data, voice data, and other data via the datasession. In some embodiments, the data session is setup without the useof handshake signals, wherein the two devices involved share datapackets according to a predefined protocol (e.g., a previously agreedupon protocol). In some embodiments, the data session is routed throughan EMS, which stores the multi-media, voice, and/or other data from anyof the devices that are part of the data session. In furtherembodiments, the EMS shares the data from the data session with theother device (e.g., device of a first responder). In some embodiments,the EMS manages the data session.

As used herein, “about” refers to a value range of 10% less to about 10%more than a stated value. For example, about 1 minute refers to 0.9minute to 1.1 minute.

Emergency Communications

In some embodiments, an emergency communication such as an emergencyalert or call is initiated by a digital processing device or anassociated device via a one touch interaction by a user. In someembodiments, a device is configured to recognize a one touch interactioncomprising a single user interaction, for example, touch, swipe, voice,tap or other forms of user interactions, as an initiation of a requestfor emergency assistance from a user of the communication device. Insome embodiments, the user interaction is a one touch interaction fromthe user that causes the communication device to initiate a callrequesting emergency assistance. In other embodiments, the userinteraction is a sequence of two (dual touch) user interactions. In someembodiments, the communication device uses either a first or a seconduser interaction to authenticate or verify the identity of the user ofthe communication device. In some embodiments, the communication devicesends an emergency alert to an emergency service (e.g., emergencymanagement system or emergency dispatch center) after userauthentication. In some embodiments, the alert comprises information ordata about the user (e.g., user name, health records, emergency contactinformation, family information, or a combination thereof) that arerelevant to emergency response personnel in providing emergencyassistance to the user.

In some embodiments, the one touch process comprises any singleinteraction with a physical (e.g. a hard button) or non-physicalinteractive element (e.g. a soft button on a touchscreen) of a digitalprocessing device. For example, in one particular embodiment, aone-touch process comprises pressing the home button of a smart phonefor at least 5 seconds. In some embodiments, a one touch interaction isa user interaction with a soft button on the device display. In someembodiments, an emergency communication is initiated via a voice command(e.g., “no touch” emergency communication/request). In some embodiments,the voice command is configured by a user. In some embodiments, thevoice command provides voice authentication authorizing a user to sendan emergency communication without requiring the user to unlock thedevice by, for example, entering a password.

In some embodiments, an emergency management system comprises a serversoftware application comprising a software module for establishing acommunication session between a communication device and a recipient ofa request for assistance. In some embodiments, the software module isreferred to as an emergency communication module. It is understood thatone or more functions of the emergency communication module is capableof being performed by one or more other software modules describedherein. In some embodiments, the emergency communication module forwardsor the request for assistance to another recipient (e.g., an EDC, PSAP,first responder, private security service, friend or relative, etc.). Insome embodiments, the emergency management system is an intermediaryrecipient that facilitates communications between a communication devicerequesting assistance and an end recipient such as, for example, a PSAP.In some embodiments, the emergency communication module provides digitalinformation associated with the communication device to the recipient.In some embodiments, the emergency management system uses digitallocation information associated with the communication device toidentify an EDC (e.g., a PSAP) serving the jurisdiction where thecommunication device is located before the emergency management systemcontacts the EDC. In some embodiments, the emergency management systemprovides additional digital information relevant and/or useful tofacilitating the emergency response (e.g., medical data relevant to amedical emergency) to the recipient.

Data

In some embodiments, a communication device comprises a software modulefor obtaining digital information about an emergency situation. In someembodiments, the software module is referred to as a data intake module.In some embodiments, the one or more functions of the data intake moduleare carried out by one or more other software modules described herein.In some embodiments, the digital information comprises at least one ofsensor data, user data, health data, and location data as describedelsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the data intake module obtainsdata (e.g., digital information) associated with the communicationdevice and uses the data to update a data set associated with thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the data intake moduleautonomously obtains data for the communication device. In someembodiments, the data intake module obtains data for the communicationdevice from a source other than the communication device. For example,in some embodiments, the data intake module obtains data from one ormore sensors associated with the communication device (e.g., a wearableheart monitor having a Bluetooth connection with the communicationdevice). In some embodiments, the source is an external sensor capableof communicating with the communication device either directly (e.g.,via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection) or indirectly (e.g., communicatesvia a router or intermediate device or over the Internet). In someembodiments, the source is an associated device of the communicationdevice. For example, in some embodiments, an associated device is awearable device, a cell phone, a panic button, or a sensor (e.g.,security camera, digital thermometer, etc) in proximity to thecommunication device. In some embodiments, a device in proximity to thecommunication device has a location that is within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85,90, 95, or 100 meters, including increments therein, of a location ofthe communication device.

In some embodiments, the data intake module obtains data periodically.In some embodiments, the data intake module obtains data aperiodically(e.g., not at regular intervals). In some embodiments, the data intakemodule obtains data continuously (e.g., constantly at short intervalssuch as, for example, every 5 seconds). In some embodiments, the dataintake module comprises settings configurable by a user to determinewhat data is obtained (e.g., location data, user data, sensor data, orany combination of data), how the data is obtained (e.g., directly fromthe member device, indirectly from another member device, from a cachedatabase storing data for the group of devices, from an EMS, etc), andhow often the data is obtained (e.g., every X minutes or hours, orwhenever the current location data changes). In some embodiments,periodicity of task is determined by utilizing algorithms for adjustingfrequency, such as exponential back-off, based on a number ofheuristics. For example, obtaining data may begin once per second anddecrease to once per 10 seconds over a period of 10 minutes.

In some embodiments, the data intake module obtains data (e.g., a dataset) comprising one or more categories of data. In some embodiments,data is selected from location data, health data, user data, sensordata, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a communication device comprises a software modulefor sharing digital information with a recipient (e.g., an emergencyservice such as an EMS or PSAP). In some embodiments, the digitalinformation comprises location information or data for the device. Insome embodiments, the software module for sharing digital information isa data sharing module. In some embodiments, the data sharing moduleshares data autonomously. In some embodiments, the data sharing moduleshares data upon request by a recipient (e.g., an emergency service). Insome embodiments, the data sharing module shares data upon userinstruction (e.g., user input). For example, in some embodiments, thecommunication device receives a request to share location data from anemergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the data sharing moduleshares data periodically. In some embodiments, the data sharing moduleshares data aperiodically (e.g., not at regular intervals). In someembodiments, the data sharing module shares data continuously (e.g.,constantly at short intervals such as, for example, every 1-5 seconds).I some embodiments, data associated with a communication device isstored on one or more associated devices and/or on one or more externaldatabases (e.g., on a network). Accordingly, in some embodiments, thedata sharing module stores digital information on an associated deviceor on an external database. This is useful in situations when thecommunication device becomes unresponsive and/or has not authorized themember device to obtain data directly. In some embodiments, the datasharing module comprises settings configurable by a user to determinewhat data is shared (e.g., location data, user data, sensor data, or anycombination of data), how the data is shared (e.g., directly with themember device, indirectly via another member device, via a cachedatabase storing data for the group of devices, via an EMS, etc), andhow often the data is shared (e.g., every X minutes or hours, orwhenever the current location data changes).

In some embodiments, the data sharing module shares digital informationupdates as new information becomes available. In some embodiments, thedata sharing module shares updated digital information when a thresholdcondition is reached. In some embodiments, a threshold condition is atime since digital information was last shared. For example, in the caseof periodic data sharing described above, a threshold is a set timeperiod for sharing data (see above time intervals for sharing data). Insome embodiments, a threshold condition is a threshold distance betweena current location of the digital processing device and the locationshared in the previous data share/update. In some embodiments, athreshold distance is at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 150,200, 250, 300, 350, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, or more meters,including increments therein. For example, in one scenario, the digitalprocessing device has a threshold distance set at 20 meters. Theprevious data update provided a location for the device. When thedigital processing device moves during the course of the emergencycommunications at least 20 meters away, the digital processing devicethreshold distance is triggered, and the device sends a digitalinformation update comprising the new current location.

PSAP Auto-Update

In some aspects, disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices forchanging or updating an emergency dispatch center (EDC, e.g. a PSAP)during an emergency situation. There are various EDC needs to be changedfrom the initial EDC during an emergency communication session. In somecases, the location of the communication device requesting emergencyassistance has changed. For example, in some cases, the device is on amoving vehicle and moves from the jurisdiction of a first EDC into thejurisdiction of a second EDC during the course of an emergency call withthe first EDC. In some cases, the initial location of the communicationdevice is inaccurate (e.g. based on cell tower positioning ortriangulation), which results in the emergency call being routed to anincorrect EDC. Then, once updated location information that providesgreater accuracy (e.g. GPS or Wi-Fi triangulation) is obtained, there isa need to transfer the call to a new EDC that services the updatedlocation of the communication device. In some cases, the first EDC partyto the communication session is the correct EDC, but it is not suitablefor handling the emergency situation for any number of reasons. In somecases, the EDC lacks appropriate resources for handling the emergency.For example, the first responders associated with the EDC (e.g. workwith the EDC and are assigned to emergencies by the EDC lack trainingfor dealing with a particular emergency type. In some embodiments,emergency information is obtained that provides an indication of theemergency type. For example, medical information such as heart monitorsensor data indicating a cardiac arrest requires medical assistance. Insome cases, all the ambulances/EMTs for the particular EDC are notavailable (e.g. for the next 45 min). Accordingly, in some embodiments,a second EDC that has the appropriate first responders is needed todirect them to the emergency location. In some embodiments, the firstEDC does not have any available first responders. In some embodiments,the first EDC does not have first responders trained and/or equipped torespond to the emergency situation. For example, an EMT is not trainedor equipped to handle a wildfire.

In some embodiments, an emergency management system (EMS) manages acommunication session between a communication device and a firstemergency dispatch center (e.g. a PSAP). In some embodiments, the EMSmanages the communication session by routing communications between theparties to the session (in this case, the device and the EDC). In someembodiments, the EMS manages the communication session by evaluatinginformation or data sent between the parties to the session.

In some embodiments, the EMS determines that a second EDC is moresuitable for responding to the emergency situation than the first EDCfor any of the reasons stated earlier. In some embodiments, the EMSobtains location information and/or other emergency information from thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the EMS determines that thedevice location has changed such that the first EDC no longer servicesthe location of the device, and identifies a second EDC that doesservice the location of the device. In some embodiments, the EMSdetermines that the first EDC lacks resources for responding to theemergency situation based on emergency information for the emergencysituation. In some embodiments, the emergency information comprises userinformation. In some embodiments, the emergency information comprisesmedical information. In some embodiments, the emergency informationcomprises location information. In some embodiments, the emergencyinformation comprises information about an EDC. In some embodiments,information about the EDC comprises information on one or more firstresponders associated with the EDC. For example, information about theEDC include one or more of number of first responders, types of firstresponders (e.g. police, medical, fire), availability of firstresponders, contact information of first responders, and location offirst responders. In some embodiments, the EMS determines that the firstEDC has failed to respond to the emergency situation such as, forexample, not responding to an emergency call or communication sent bythe communication device for a threshold period of time. In these cases,the communication session is a one-sided communication session since theEDC is not actively participating in the communication session. In someembodiments, the threshold period of time is at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 40, 50, 60 seconds. In some embodiments, the threshold period oftime is at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 minutes. In someembodiments, the EMS determines that the first EDC has lost connectionto the communication session.

In some embodiments, the emergency management system facilitates thetransfer of the communication session. There are a number of ways inwhich the transfer is accomplished. In some embodiments, the EMSprovides contact information for the second EDC to the first EDC thatallows an operator/dispatcher at the first EDC to contact the second EDCto transfer the call. In some embodiments, the EMS provides aninteractive link to the first EDC that an operator/dispatcher can clickto be put in contact with the second EDC. In some embodiments, the EMSadds the second EDC to the ongoing communication session enabling thefirst dispatcher and second dispatcher to communicate with thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the EMS then removes thefirst EDC from the communication session. In some embodiments, the EMSinitiates a new communication session between the communication deviceand the second EDC, and terminates the original communication sessionbetween the communication device and the first EDC. It is understoodthat these are non-limiting examples of how an EMS facilitates transferof the communication session from the first EDC to the second EDC.

In some embodiments, the changing and/or updating of a EDC/PSAP duringan emergency communication session is carried out by the communicationdevice rather than the EMS. In some embodiments, certain functions arecarried out remotely (e.g. at the EMS or other third party server), butthe command to execute said functions originate with the communicationdevice.

Location Tracking of First Responders

In some embodiments, disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devicesfor providing location tracking of first responders during an emergencysituation. When users make emergency calls using their communicationdevices, they often receive limited information on the first responders,which is usually provided by dispatchers who assure them that help is onthe way. However, in some cases, additional information is useful forreassuring a user in the emergency situation, facilitates self-help, andimproves the chances of a successful emergency response. For example, auser who knows help is estimated to arrive soon can experience a boostin motivation or morale. Alternatively, a user who knows help will takemore time can prepare mentally and physically for enduring the delay. Insome cases, a user who knows a direction the first responders areapproaching from is able to head in that direction. For example, a userwho is injured and located in a wooded area flanked by two roads willknow what road to head to if he is provided with some information on theapproach of the first responders (e.g. direction of travel, road beingtaken, speed of travel, actual location such as GPS coordinates, etc).In some cases, the user has detailed knowledge of the environment and isable to offer corrections or helpful information based on knowledge ofthe location of first responders. For example, a hiker who is injuredhiking in a park during the winter may know that first responders shouldnot approach from a particular bridge because he saw that it was damagedand in need of repair. Accordingly, in some situations, it is helpfulfor a caller/user in an emergency situation to be given access tolocation (usually limited) information of first responder(s) assigned torespond to the emergency situation.

In some embodiments, a communication device obtains information for oneor more first responders during an emergency situation. In someembodiments, the communication device obtains a first responderforecast. In some embodiments, the first responder forecast is obtainedfrom an emergency service such as, for example, an emergency managementsystem or an emergency dispatch center. In some embodiments, the firstresponder forecast is obtained upon request. In some embodiments,authorization is provided in order to receive the first responderforecast. In some embodiments, the emergency management system generatesthe first responder forecast and sends it to the communication device.In some embodiments, the communication device belongs to a user in anemergency situation. In some embodiments, the communication devicebelongs to an authorized user such as, for example, a first responderwho is not responding to the current emergency situation. In someembodiments, an authorized user is a police officer, a firefighter, oran emergency medical technician. In some embodiments, access toinformation is limited based on user type and/or emergency type. Forexample, in some embodiments, a police officer responding to acrime/medical emergency has authorization to access real-time locationinformation for other officers responding to the same emergency in orderto provide situational awareness for the officers as a group. However,in this example, an emergency medical technician does not have the samereal-time access to location information, but has access to medicalhistory information for the user or subject in the emergency situation(e.g. medical history obtained from the user's communication device) tohelp resolve the medical emergency.

In some embodiments, the communication device displays information fromthe first responder forecast for a user. For example, in someembodiments, the location of the first responder is displayed as textand/or on a map. In some embodiments, the current location of the firstresponder is displayed. In some embodiments, the current location isprovided with maximum accuracy based on the information available. Insome embodiments, the current location is provided as an area. In someembodiments, the area is purposely larger than a minimum area to reduceresolution. For example, in many cases, it is not desirable to let userssee exactly where first responders are located during an emergencysituation. In some embodiments, the minimum area is at least 10, 20, 30,40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900,1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000 square meters. In some embodiments, thelocation of the first responder is not provided. In some embodiments,one or more of a direction of the first responder, a speed of travel, anestimated time to arrival, an estimated distance to arrival (e.g. viastraight line or travel distance using roads/navigable pathways), a modeof transportation of the first responder, a type of first responder(e.g. police, firefighter, EMT), and a type of emergency is provided.

Data Sharing

In certain aspects, disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devicesfor sharing information between various parties. For example, in someembodiments, multiple parties are involved in an emergency situation andresponse and can include a communication device of a user in theemergency situation, various sensors/devices associated with the usercommunication device, an emergency dispatch center, third parties suchas some ALI databases, and one or more first responders. In many cases,each one of these parties utilize different technologies, devices,and/or software to communicate. In some cases, the technologies areanalog or digital. In some cases, mobile devices are used, while otherparties use computer consoles. Various data formats and encryptionsettings are utilized as well and often lack consistency orstandardization. As a result, communications between these variousparties during emergency situations are inconsistent and vary fromjurisdiction to jurisdiction. Accordingly, disclosed herein are systemsand methods for harmonizing and bridging these disparate parties throughan emergency management system. In some embodiments, an emergencymanagement system acts as an intermediary between various parties duringemergency situations to ensure interoperability and that communicationsare properly formatted so that recipients of said communications areable to receive and open them. User communication devices typically donot format location based data/meta-data in a format that is accessibleby an emergency dispatch center or a location database such as an ALIdatabase. In some embodiments, the EMS formats all data received into adata format compatible with industry standards (e.g. emergencycommunication standards) such as the National Emergency NumberAssociation (NENA) Standard Data Format for ALI Data Exchanges and GISMapping. In some embodiments, the EMS formats data into NENA standardformat regardless of the incoming data format or the device that sendsthe data.

In some embodiments, the EMS facilitates data exchange between thevarious parties during emergency communications by processing andresponding to data requests. In some embodiments, the EMS receives arequest for data from a requesting device. In some embodiments, the EMSalso receives an authorization code for the request for data. In someembodiments, the EMS checks the authorization code to determine that therequesting device is authorized to access the requested data. In someembodiments, the authorization code varies depending on the user typefor the requesting device. For example, a police officer and anemergency medical technician have authorization to access differenttypes of data depending on the type of emergency.

In some embodiments, the EMS stores additional information other thanlocation information. In some embodiments, the EMS stores emergencyinformation. In some embodiments, the EMS stores user information. Insome embodiments, the EMS stores medical information for the user. Insome embodiments, the EMS stores sensor information. In someembodiments, the sensor information comprises physiological parameters.In some embodiments, the sensor information comprises environmentalparameters. In some embodiments, the sensor information or data isobtained from an Internet of Things sensor. In some embodiments, thesensor information is obtained from an ad hoc mesh network of sensors.In some embodiments, a sensor is a wearable sensor, an IoT sensor, or avehicular sensor. In some embodiments, sensor information is obtainedfrom a sensor selected from the group consisting of: a thermometer, anelectrical conductance meter, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxidesensor, a smoke detector, an oxygen sensor, an air flow sensor, an airspeed sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an airpressure sensor, an air moisture sensor, a photodetector, a Geigercounter, a magnetic field sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, anacid sensor, a base sensor, a hazardous chemical sensor, a vibrationsensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a smog sensor, and a videocamera; wherein a physiological parameter is obtained from a sensorselected from the group consisting of a heart rate monitor, athermometer, a respirometer, a blood glucose monitor, an electrolytesensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, anelectromyography sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, anelectrocardiogram sensor, a body hydration sensor, and a blood alcoholsensor.

DETAILED FIGURE DESCRIPTIONS

FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a devicedescribed herein. In some embodiments, the device 106 is an electronicdevice such as a communication device (e.g., mobile or cellular phone,computer, laptop, etc.). In some embodiments, a communication device isa wearable device. In some embodiments, a communication device is awireless mobile device or a smart phone. In some embodiments, acommunication device is a walkie-talkie or a two-way radio. In someembodiments, a user 100 (not shown) is selected from one or more personswho are the primary users of the device 106. In some embodiments, acommunication device is a requesting device that requests data from anemergency service such as an emergency management system or an emergencydispatch center.

In some embodiments, the device 106 comprises at least one processor104, a memory 105 (e.g., an EPROM memory, a RAM, a solid-state memory),a display 102, a user interface 113, a network component 114 (e.g., anantenna and associated components, Wi-Fi adapters, Bluetooth® adapters,etc.) and a software application 108 (e.g., mobile application, computerprogram, application). In some embodiments, the software applicationcomprises one or more software modules 128. In some embodiments, thedevice is equipped with a location component 118, for example, a globalpositioning system (GPS). In some embodiments, the device comprises datastorage 115. In further embodiments, the device comprises a locationdata cache 117. In further embodiments, the device comprises a user datacache 119.

In some embodiments, the device 106 has several components including adisplay 102 and user interface 113, which allow the user 100 to interactwith the device 106. In some embodiments, the display 102 is a part ofthe user interface 113 (e.g., a touchscreen is both a display andprovides an interface to accept user interactions). In some embodiments,the display 102 and/or the user interface 113 comprises a touch screen(e.g., a capacitive touch screen), which is capable of displayinginformation and receiving user input. In some embodiments, the device106 comprises hardware components not including a display 102 and a userinterface 113, wherein the device functions autonomously withoutrequiring active user guidance or interaction. In some embodiments, datamay be obtained from devices without a user interface, such as a healthmonitoring device or environmental monitoring device. In someembodiments, the monitoring device has one or more sensors for sensinghealth parameters of a user or environmental parameters. In someembodiments, the health monitoring and can be controlled remotely by amedical professional.

In some embodiments, a device 106 includes various accessories 122 (notshown) that allow additional functionality. In some embodiments, theaccessories 122 (not shown) include one or more of the following:microphone (e.g., for user voice interaction), a camera (e.g., for inputof gestures commands or pictures from the user 100), speakers, one ormore sensors such as a fingerprint reader or scanner, USB/micro-USBport, headphone jack, a card reader, SIM card slot, Bluetooth button,and any combination thereof.

FIG. 1A also shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an emergencymanagement system 130 as described herein. In some embodiments, theemergency management system 130 comprises one or more of an operatingsystem 132, at least one central processing unit or processor 134, amemory unit 136, a communication element 138, and a computer programsuch as a server application 148. In some embodiments, the serverapplication 148 comprises one or more software modules 149. In someembodiments, the emergency management system 130 comprises one or moredatabases 135. In some embodiments, the emergency management system 130comprises a location database 137. In some embodiments, the emergencymanagement system 130 comprises a user information database 139. In someembodiments, the emergency management system 130 comprises a GeographicInformation System (GIS) database 147.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a softwareapplication or computer program 128 installed on a device. In someembodiments, the software application 128 comprises one or more softwaremodules. In some embodiments, a software module is a group module 119,an alert module 127, a responder asset mapping module 121, a responderforecast module 129, a data sharing module 123, a proxy communicationmodule 125 or a location determination module 133.

FIG. 1B also shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a computerprogram such as a server application 148 installed on a server (e.g., aserver in an EMS). In some embodiments, the server application 148comprises one or more server software modules. In some embodiments, asoftware module is a LIS App 141, ADR App 142, a first ECRP App 143, asecond ECRF App 144, PSAP update App 145, a responder asset module 146or a responder forecast module 147.

FIG. 1C shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a Public SafetyAnswering Point (PSAP) system 151 as described herein. In someembodiments, the PSAP system 151 comprises one or more of display 157,at least one central processing unit or processor 154, a memory unit156, a network component 162, an audio system 164 (e.g. microphone,speaker and/or a call-taking headset) and a computer program such as aPSAP Application 152. In some embodiments, the PSAP application 152comprises one or more software modules 159. In some embodiments, thePSAP system 151 comprises a database of responders 177 (not shown), suchas medical assets, police assets, fire response assets, rescue assets,safety assets, etc.

FIG. 1C also shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a PSAPapplication 152 installed on a PSAP system (e.g., a server in the PSAPsystem). In some embodiments, the server application 152 comprises oneor more server software modules. In some embodiments, a software moduleis a call handling module 161 (not shown), a PSAP update module 163, aresponder asset module 165, a responder forecast module 167 or anLIS/ADR query module 169.

PSAP Update

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of a communication devicetraveling from one area to another. As shown, a vehicle 265 with acommunication device 206 (not shown) is traveling from Zone X to Zone Yserviced by two different emergency service providers—EDC-1 250 & EDC-2255. Zone X is the jurisdictional boundary of EDC-1 250, which isadjacent to Zone Y, which is the jurisdictional boundary of EDC-2 255.In some embodiments, the jurisdictional boundary is smooth (as shown),straight, curved or irregular. In some embodiments, the jurisdictionalboundary includes a natural boundary such as, for example, a body ofwater, a waterway (e.g. river), a mountain, a trench, a valley, or arock formation. In some embodiments, the jurisdictional boundaryincludes an artificial boundary such as, for example, a road or highway.When the jurisdictional boundary is irregular, the appropriate EDC (suchas PSAP) to respond to an emergency situation (e.g. a peninsula in thejurisdictional boundary) can change rapidly.

In some embodiments, a communication device 206 (not shown) may be avehicle console or a car security system. In some embodiments, thevehicle 265 is a connected car configured to send a communication (e.g.an emergency alert). In some embodiments, the communication device 206(not shown) is a mobile phone (e.g. a smartphone), a laptop, a tablet, aradio (e.g. a two-way radio), or a wearable device. In some embodiments,a user 200 (not shown) is the driver or a passenger in the car and usesthe communication device 206 (not shown) to send an emergency alert toan emergency management system 230.

The communication device 206 includes a network component 264 (e.g. aWi-Fi antenna, not shown) for sending and receiving communication(s). Insome embodiments, the communication device 206 includes an interface 263(not shown) for receiving a user interaction indicative of an emergencysituation (e.g. by pressing a soft or hard button, a gesture, or a voicecommand) by a user 200 (not shown). In some embodiments, thecommunication device 206 includes a location component 216 (not shown)(e.g. GPS, location API, etc.).

In some embodiments, the communication device 206 shares location data,for example, dependent on whether the last transmitted location data iswithin a certain time-frame of the current time, based on a cycle fortransmission of the location data, or if a certain minimum distance hasbeen covered by the device. In some embodiments, the emergencymanagement system requests location data. In some embodiments, locationdata is transmitted when the last transmitted location data was receivedat a time that is equal to or greater than the current time by athreshold time-frame. In some embodiments, the threshold time-frame isat least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, or 60 or more seconds. In some embodiments, the threshold time-frameis at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, or 60 or more minutes. In some embodiments, the thresholdtime-frame is at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 or more hours. In someembodiments, the location data is transmitted about every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 or moreseconds. In some embodiments, the location data is transmitted aboutevery 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,or 60 or more minutes. In some embodiments, the location data istransmitted about every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 or more hours. In someembodiments, location data is transmitted when the device is estimatedto have changed location by a minimum distance from its location basedon its previously transmitted location data. For example, location data(GPS coordinates+time-stamp of data packets) transmitted by a deviceshows the device is traveling north at 60 miles per hour, and once 1minute has passed (indicating travel distance of 1 mile), the devicetransmits current location data again. In some embodiments, the distancethat the device has traveled is determined, for example, byidentification of cellular base station information received fromdecoding the packets and frames at a communication module of thecommunication device 206. In some embodiments, the minimum distance thatthe device has traveled from its location is at least about 10, 20, 30,40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500,600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 or more meters.

In some embodiments, the communication device 206 shares location datawith the EMS 230. As shown, the EMS 230 includes one or more databases235 for saving data from the communication device 206, such as alocation database 237 and a user information database 239. In someembodiments, the location data is saved in a dedicated database as shown(location database 237). In other embodiments, the location data issaved together with other user information in the same database(s) (notshown). In some embodiments, the database(s) 235 are located on a remoteserver or on the cloud. In some embodiments, the database(s) 235 arethird party database(s) that the EMS 230 has access to.

In some embodiments, the database(s) 235 comprise one or more databasesystems including, by way of non-limiting examples, relational,non-relational, object oriented, associative, and XML database systems.In some embodiments, the database(s) 235 is a relational database withtime-stamped columns such as user name, phone number (or call backnumber), location data, sensor data, saved user data, and otherinformation. In some embodiments, the data is saved in a non-relationalor NoSQL database associated with a time-stamp and a user ID (such asphone number, user's name, or device ID, etc.). In some embodiments, thecategories of data include one or more of altitude, caller ID, cellcarrier, device IMEI, device model, device number, emergency number,location accuracy, location altitude, location latitude, locationlongitude, location time, place address, source, time, registeredaddress, registered engine, and uncertainty radius.

In some embodiments, the EMS 230 comprises a locationing centerincluding a Geographic Information System (GIS) database 247. The GISallows for accurate call routing and location validation by providingmapping data such as polygon data for jurisdictional boundaries,location of features such as cell towers and other fixed infrastructure(e.g. streets, buildings). In some embodiments, the EMS 230 comprises anEmergency Call Routing Function (ECRF) and an Emergency Services RoutingProxy (ESRP) for routing emergency calls.

In some embodiments, location data is shared while the communicationdevice is transitioning in-between service areas of EDC-1 250 and EDC-2252. In some embodiments, a communication device detects a need, eitherautonomously or based on user input, for transmitting its location datato an EMS 230. In some embodiments, the communication device transmitslocation data based on a sharing trigger (e.g. a condition or thresholdthat when satisfied, causes transmission of location data to a recipientsuch as an EMS). In some embodiments, the sharing trigger can beinstantiated by the completion of a periodic time-interval, thecompletion of a non-time cycle, a sensor value reporting, for example,an accelerometer reporting a change in speed or a gyroscope reporting achange in altitude, and/or a change in distance determined by acomputation based on GPS sensor values. In some embodiments, responsiveto the instantiation of this trigger, the communication device sends thecurrent location data to the EMS 230. In some embodiments, the locationdata of the communication device is determined using GPS coordinates,Wi-Fi positioning, Bluetooth beacon positioning, cellular base stationtriangulation, or any other form of locationing. In some embodiments,when the user has initiated an emergency communication (e.g. call,message, or emergency alert) using the communication device 206, thelocation data from the communication device is sent to the EMS 230 on aperiodic basis during the emergency communication or emergency sessionand/or after the emergency communication or emergency session. In someembodiments, the emergency alert is triggered by autonomously (e.g. by acrash detection system) and location data is shared periodically.

Upon receiving the latest location data from the communication device206 via a data communication channel 224, in some embodiments, the EMS230 saves location data to a location database 235. In otherembodiments, the EMS 230 accesses the location data in a remote serveror a third-party database. In some embodiments, the EMS 230 obtainslocation data from other devices associated with the user 200. Forexample, the user 200 sends an emergency alert using a smart watch, butthe EMS 230 obtains the current location data from the vehicle consoleof the vehicle 265.

In some embodiments, the current location data is used for routing theemergency call or emergency session. For example, an emergency callreceived at a switch in a selective routing database (SRDB) is routed toan appropriate EDC. In some embodiments, the EMS 230 includes an ECRFfor routing the call based on jurisdictional boundaries provided in aGIS database 247 (see FIG. 3). For example, in some embodiments, thedatabase 235 provides the EMS 230 with an indication or warning that theuser and the communication device 206 are moving (or will soon move,e.g., within the next 1, 5, or 10 minutes) from the service area ofEDC-1 251 (with dispatcher system 251) into the service area of EDC-2255 (with dispatcher system 256). In some embodiments, once the EMS 230receives the information about EDC-2 252, the EMS 230 uses an ECRF (notshown) to identify the appropriate EDC-2 as the appropriate EDC. Whenthe vehicle 265 is on the jurisdictional border region (e.g. within 50,100, 150, 300, 400, 500 or more meters of the border), the fact that itis heading in direction 105 towards Zone Y is determinative of a changein EDC, in some embodiments. Thus, the EMS 230 detects a change in theEDC (such as a PSAP) for user 200 or for communication device 206. Insome embodiments, EDC-1 250 is maintained as the previous EDC that thecommunication device was associated with. In further embodiments, EDC-1250 is maintained as the previous EDC until another previous EDC for thecommunication device is identified and saved.

During an emergency situation, in some embodiments, the user-initiatedor autonomously detected emergency alert is sent to the EMS 230.Initially, in some embodiments, the EMS 230 identifies the appropriatejurisdiction as EDC 250 for Zone X. In some embodiments, the EMS 230detects that the user or the communication device has moved to anotherEDC 255 for Zone Y. In some embodiments, the EMS 230 acts based on a setof rules depending on various factors such as call technology, PSAPsystem capabilities, state or regional laws and policies, softwareintegration with the PSAP, etc. As an illustrative example, theemergency call is transferred to the second PSAP, if the first PSAP hasnot answered the call. In further embodiments, there is a timer thatmust elapse before the call is transferred to another EDC (e.g. PSAP)when the first PSAP has not answered the call. In some embodiments, theEMS 230 initiates an emergency call or emergency session with PSAP-1 250via communication link 226. Even when there is minimal integration withfirst PSAP, in some embodiments, the EMS 230 monitors the emergency callusing SIP signals for a VoIP call on link 226. Specifically, if the SIPresponses indicate that the emergency call has not been successfullyconnected to EDC-1, in some embodiments, the emergency call istransferred to EDC-2 via communication link 236. In some embodiments,SIP signals or response codes indicate that the emergency call has notbeen connected, and include, for example, “provisional responses” (e.g.100. Trying, 180 Ringing, 181 Call is being forwarded, 182 Queued,etc.), “redirection responses”, “client failure responses”, “serverfailure responses”, and/or “global failure responses”. As shown, whenthe vehicle 265 is crossing the jurisdictional border, in someembodiments, the EMS 230 detects a PSAP change. In some embodiments, ifthe call has not been answered at PSAP-1, it is transferred to PSAP-2.

In some embodiments, with more integration with the PSAP-1 system 251,the EMS 230 is able to inform the system 251 that the device has movedto a region served by a different EDC, such as PSAP-2 255. In someembodiments, there is a software module within the PSAP-1 system 251(not shown) that may be able to display the updated PSAP information toPSAP operators who are handling the emergency call. In some embodiments,the display includes the contact information and calling number forPSAP-2 in the message. In some embodiments, the message includes a linkfor a PSAP operator of PSAP-1 251 to click to be connected to the PSAP-2255.

In some cases, the emergency call is transferred when the appropriatePSAP (e.g. PSAP-1) has not answered even after a timer delay has passed,e.g., 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 seconds. The EMS 230 uses variousmethods to identify and assign the emergency call to another PSAP (e.g.PSAP-2) including proximity to the emergency, type of emergency,severity of the emergency, resources available to the new PSAP, or stateor regional laws and policies. In some embodiments, the closest PSAP tothe emergency location in the same regional or state network ispreferred. In some embodiments, some PSAPs may designate neighboringPSAPs as backup or overflow facilities, where the call will be divertedto if the PSAP does not answer or the lines are busy.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a system for detecting a change in thejurisdiction of the PSAP. As shown, user 300 of the communication device306 (e.g. a mobile phone) initiates an emergency alert by interactingwith the user interface 313. The device 306 sends the emergency alert toan EMS 330, which in turn, establishes an emergency session or emergencycall with Emergency Services IP Network or ESINet 360. Among otherESINets (not shown), ESINet 360 is the emergency services network thathas the jurisdiction for serving the user's 300 location. Specifically,PSAP-1 350, which is a services provider in the ESINet 360 is the“appropriate” emergency service provider serving the location. In someembodiments, the emergency alert is triggered autonomously by the device306 based on readings from one or more triggers (e.g. a healthparameter, an environmental parameter, etc.). In some embodiments, theemergency call or emergency session is initiated when the device 306initiates an emergency session (such as an emergency call) by sending anemergency alert or indication of an emergency via communication link303. For example, for voice over long term evolution (VoLTE), thesession border controller sends a SIP INVITE to device 306.

During an emergency, the device 306 periodically transmits its location(e.g. from GPS positioning, Wi-Fi positioning, cellular base stationtriangulation, etc.) to the EMS 330. Specifically, the device 306 sendslocation data to an application 339 via a secure communication link 301.In addition to location data, in some embodiments, the device 306 sendsother data such as user data, emergency data, sensor data, or other datainformative of the emergency situation. In some embodiments, data fromdevice 306 is saved in one or more databases 235. In some embodiments,the application 339 supports Location Information Server (LIS) and/orAdditional Data Repository (ADR) queries for the databases 235 (e.g.,via secure communication link 309). The queries, responses andauthentication options are described in reference to FIGS. 10-11.

In some embodiments, the EMS 330 also includes an access network with aninternal ESINet compatible with National Emergency Number Association(NENA) standards. Specifically, in some embodiments, the EMS 330includes or has access to ESRP 343, ECRF 344, GIS 347 for determiningwhich ESINet to send the emergency call to, as described in reference toFIG. 2. In some embodiments, ESRP 343 and ECRF 344 are licensed copiesof software that are used to make the determination. For thisdetermination, the location data of the device 306 is used by the ESRPand ECRF by referring to the jurisdictional boundaries for the ESINet inthe GIS 347.

In some embodiments, the ECRF 344 makes a non-authoritativedetermination and it is synchronized with the authoritativedetermination by the ECRF 354 in the ESINet 360 via communication link317. The non-authoritative determination is helpful for several reasons.First, this allows the EMS 330 to make the initial determination ofwhich ESINet to send the call. In some embodiments, ECRF 344 isdedicated for this determination. In other embodiments, ECRF 344determines which PSAP within the ESINet is appropriate. Next, in someembodiments, the ECRF 344 is deployed for efficiency and/or speed sothat extra time is not spent querying the authoritative ECRF 354 and theauthoritative ECRF 354 does not bear undue load. In some embodiments,the emergency call setup takes minimal amount of time (e.g. less than orequal to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4,0.3, 0.2, or 0.1 seconds). In some embodiments, the ECRF 344 during callsetup generates estimate(s) quickly against the coarse ESINet boundariesto determine the ESINet to send the call, while the ECRF 354 inside thatESINet uses granular PSAP boundaries that takes more time to make anaccurate determination of the PSAP for call routing. In someembodiments, because it can also generate independent quick estimates ofgranular PSAP routing inside an ESINet, the ECRF 344 is capable of beingqueried repeatedly with updated location data via link 315 (unlike ECRF354 which is typically queried only once around the start of theemergency call). This enables the EMS 330 to repeatedly provide a PSAPwith updated location data for an ongoing emergency communicationsession, without adversely affecting system load in the ESINet 360 andon ECRF 354, and without incurring extra delay while queries traverseinto ESINet 360. In some embodiments, once the ECRF 344 syncs with ECRF354 via link 317, the determination is validated.

In some embodiments, a PSAP Update Application 345 in the EMS 330periodically check if the jurisdiction of the device 306 has changed byusing current/updated location data. In some embodiments, the device 306periodically sends updated location data. In some embodiments,Application 345 detects if there is a change in the updated locationdata from the device 306. In some embodiments, Application 345 detectsif there is a significant change in the updated location data from thedevice 306. In some embodiments, the Application 345 inputs the updatedlocation data into ECRF 344 to determine if there is a change in theESINet and/or PSAP based on jurisdictional boundaries in GIS 347.

On the ESINet 360 side, in some embodiments, the emergency session (e.g.an emergency call) is sent to the ESRP 353, which queries querydatabases 335 using the Application 339 (e.g. LIS queries for obtainingcurrent location data for device 306). The ESRP 353, ESRF 354 and GIS357 are used to make a determination of which ESINet, and/or PSAP tosend the emergency call to. The ESRF 354 is best situated to make theauthoritative determination. In some embodiments, the ESRF 354 withinthe ESINet 360 has up-to-date information about jurisdictionalboundaries within its jurisdiction. In some embodiments, the ESRF 354also has up-to-date information about resources, staffing, localconditions, etc. at the PSAPs in its region. Once a determination the“appropriate” PSAP is found, in some embodiments, the emergency sessionor call is routed through the state or regional emergency network 361 tothe appropriate PSAP (here, PSAP-1 350). In some embodiments, thenetwork 361 includes several PSAPs such as, for example, PSAP-2 255,PSAP-3 362, PSAP-4 364, PSAP-5 366, etc.

In some embodiments, at PSAP-1 350, there is a PSAP system 351 includinghardware and software, which is used by PSAP operators for receiving andtransferring the emergency session or call, collecting data about theemergency, sending responders to the emergency location, and/or carryingout other emergency response functions. Specifically, PSAP-1 350includes a call taking or handling Application—CPE App 352. In someembodiments, a software module for PSAP update 363 (not shown) informsthe PSAP operator(s) about a change in the PSAP via 333.

In some embodiments, the PSAP update module 363 allows PSAP operators atPSAP-1 to transfer the call to another PSAP (e.g. PSAP-2 355). In someembodiments, the PSAP operators continue on the line with a three-waycall between device 306, PSAP-1 350 and PSAP-2 355. In otherembodiments, the PSAP-1 disconnects from the emergencycall/communication session when the user 300 is connected to PSAP-2 355.In some embodiments, the call transfer from PSAP-1 to PSAP 2 takes placevia several secured pathways (e.g. internet gateway protected by VPN, orend-to-end TLS encryption, etc.). In some embodiments, when the PSAPUpdate Application 345 in the EMS 330 detects a change in PSAP based onupdated location data from device 306, it displays a message with thenew PSAP information (e.g. the call-in number, address, resources forPSAP-2 355) in the PSAP system 351 via secure pathway 331. In someembodiments, the message includes a link that allows the PSAP system 351to connect to the PSAP system 356. In some embodiments, when the PSAPoperator presses the link, he or she is connected to the PSAP-2 355either the regional network 361 (e.g. via 325). In some embodiments, theemergency call is transferred directly from PSAP-1 to PSAP-2 via 335. Insome embodiments, when PSAP-2 255 is in the same region or ESINet 360,the emergency session or emergency call is transferred via the regionalnetwork 361 via 327 and 325.

In some embodiments, when an emergency session or call is transferred toa new PSAP, the data from the emergency session or call is accessible bythe new PSAP. Thus, data about the call (e.g. user's name, type ofemergency, location of emergency, etc.) taken by the PSAP operator inone PSAP is accessible by other PSAP systems. For example, for NG911systems, the PSAP systems that follow NENA XML formats for storing datain the Emergency Incident Data Document (EIDD), the data may betransferred. In other embodiments, legacy PSAP systems do allow suchconvenient data sharing between PSAPs. In situations with limitedsoftware integration, the EMS 330 detects that an emergency call has notbeen answered based on SIP responses and transfers the call to a newPSAP.

Pre-Emptive PSAP Determination

In some embodiments, even when an emergency situation has not arisen,the EMS proactively prepares for emergencies by associating a particularEDC (e.g. PSAP) with a particular user or device. As an illustrativeexample, a user has a medical condition such as osteoporosis and issusceptible to falls. Thus, disclosed herein are systems and methods fordetermining an appropriate PSAP for responding to an emergency beforethe emergency has taken place. In some embodiments, using the locationdata from the user's 300 communication device 306, the EMS 330determines the ESINet and/or PSAP serving that location. For thisdetermination, in some embodiments, a time-stamped last receivedlocation data from the communication device 306 is accessed from thedatabases 337.

In some embodiments, the EMS determines that updated location data isneeded. For example, in some embodiments, updated location data isneeded when location data has not been received in a certain cycle, therouting cellular base station information or Wi-Fi router informationdetermined from decoding the received packets and frames at thecommunication modules has changed, the location data stored at the EMS330 is outdated and does not reflect the latest location of the user 300(e.g. location data is more than 24 hours old, 2 hours, 30 minutes, 10minutes, etc.). In some embodiments, upon a determination that updatedlocation data is needed, the EMS 330 sends a request to thecommunication device for the latest location data from device 306 usingthe data communication channel 301.

In some embodiments, upon receiving the request for current locationdata, the communication device 306 retrieves and transmits the latestlocation data to the EMS 330 over the data communication channel 301. Insome embodiments, when the updated location data is received by the EMS330, the updated location data is used for routing the call to theappropriate ESINet and/or PSAP. In some embodiments, the EMS 330associates the appropriate ESINet and/or PSAP with the user account,phone number or device ID and saves the association in one or moredatabases (e.g. databases 235). In some embodiments, the EMS 330 decideswhether or not the PSAP (e.g. PSAP-1 250) should be informed about theassociation. In some embodiments, this decision is made based oninformation (e.g. meta-data) available about the user 300, informationavailable about the communication device 306, and/or other relevantmedical and personal information available at the EMS 330 about the user300 and the communication device 306 to help decide the urgency andimportance of pro-actively informing the PSAP-1 350. In someembodiments, the EMS 330 sends the association information along withany identification and relevant information about the user 300.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a process for acommunication device to share location data. In some embodiments, theEMS detects, either on a periodic basis, or as triggered by specificevents, a time to update the location data about the device and send theupdated location data, either autonomously or with user input (act 412).In some embodiments, the location data of the communication device isdetermined using GPS positioning, Wi-Fi positioning, Bluetooth beaconpositioning, cellular base station triangulation, and/or any othertechnique known in the art. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4,the communication device determines the latest location data about thedevice (act 414) and compares this location data to location data storedon the device (act 416 & 418). If the computed latest location data isnot significantly different from the stored location data (act 414),then the communication device detects the time-stamp of the previouslocation data update sent from the communication device to the EMS (act416), and determines the time difference between the current time andthe time-stamp of the previous location data update (act 418). If thetime difference is not greater than a pre-defined value for updating theEMS (act 418), the communication device detects identificationinformation about the cellular base station routers or the Wi-Firouters, in which it is in communication with and attempts to derivelocation data from the identity of these routers (act 424). If there isno significant difference in the location data derived from theinformation about the routers and the stored location data on thecommunication device (act 426), the communication device checks if thereis any other trigger event which indicates that there may have been asignificant change in the location of the communication device and henceprompts a location update transmission (act 442). If no trigger eventsare detected (act 442), the communication device checks to see if thereis a request from the EMS for sending updated location data (act 438).If no such request is detected (act 438) the communication device waitsfor a specific period of time (act 434) and goes back to detecting thelatest location data about the device (act 412).

If the computed latest location data is significantly different from thestored location data (act 414), and if the time difference between thecurrent time and the time-stamp of the previous location data update isgreater than a pre-defined value for updating the EMS (act 418), and ifthe derived location data from the digital packets from the routers andthe stored location data on the device are significantly different (act414), and if there is at least one trigger event indicating that thereis a significant update in the location of the communication device (act442), or if there is a request from the EMS for sending updated locationdata (act 438), the communication device initiates a transmission of theupdated location data to the EMS (act 428) and confirms the transmissionwith the EMS (act 432). After sending the updated location data andconfirming the transmission the communication device waits for aspecific period of time (act 434) and goes back to detecting the latestlocation data about the device (act 412).

If the communication device in unable to confirm the transmission of thelatest location data update with the EMS (act 432), the devicere-transmits the location data to the EMS (act 436) and then confirmsthe transmission with the EMS (act 432). After successfully verifyingthe transmission the communication device waits for a specific period oftime (act 434) and goes back to detecting the latest location data aboutthe device (act 412).

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process forupdating location data. In some embodiments, the EMS detects whether arequest should be made for updated location data for a communicationdevice. In this illustrative embodiment, the EMS detects the time-stampof the previous location data update received from the communicationdevice at the EMS (act 512), and compares the time difference betweenthe current time and that of the time-stamp of the previous locationdata update (act 514). If the time difference is greater than apre-defined value for updating the EMS (act 516), the EMS requestslocation data update from the communication device (act 526). If thetime difference between the current time and that of the time-stamp ofthe previous location data update is not greater than the pre-definedvalue for updating the EMS (act 514), the EMS detects identificationinformation about the cellular base station routers or the Wi-Fi routersthat were used to deliver the latest data packets and messages from thecommunication device to the EMS and attempts to derive location datafrom the identity of these routers (act 516).

If there is a significant difference in the derived current locationfrom the information about the routers and the stored location dataabout the communication device at the EMS 113 (act 518), the EMS 113requests a location data update from the communication device (act 528).If there is no significant difference in the derived current locationfrom the information about the routers and the stored location dataabout the communication device at the EMS (act 518), the EMS queries alocation database for an EDC (e.g. a PSAP) serving the derived locationof the cellular base station routers or the Wi-Fi routers that were usedto deliver the latest data packets and messages from the communicationdevice (act 522).

After receiving a response from the location database, the EMS verifiesif the information about the EDC is different from the current EDCassociated with the communication device (act 524). If the EDCassociated with the communication device at the EMS is not the same EDCas the one indicated by the location database in response to the query(act 524), then the EMS verifies if there is an ongoing request foremergency assistance the EDC currently associated to the communicationdevice is responding to (act 532). If the EDC currently associated withthe communication device is not responding to any request from emergencyassistance sent from the communication device, the EMS associates thenew EDC identified by the location database in response to the query bythe communication device (act 534) and waits for a specified period oftime (act 528) and returns to detecting the time-stamp of the previouslocation data update received from the communication device at the EMS(act 512). If the EDC indicated by the location database in response tothe query (act 532), is same as the EDC associated with thecommunication device at the EMS, then the EMS waits for a specifiedperiod of time (act 528) and returns to detecting the time-stamp of theprevious location data update received from the communication device atthe EMS (act 512). If the EDC currently associated with thecommunication device is responding to a request for emergency assistancesent from the communication device (act 532), the EMS sends the existingrequest for emergency assistance (act 536) to the new EDC identified bythe location database in response to the query by the EMS and waits forthe new EDC to confirm the reception of the request for emergencyassistance (act 538). After successfully confirming the reception of therequest for emergency assistance at the new EDC, the EMS manages theemergency response for the communication device (act 544). If the newEDC does not confirm the reception of the request for emergencyassistance (act 538), the EMS checks if the maximum number of attemptsto contact the EDC have been reached (act 542), and upon verifying thatsuch a maximum number of attempts have not been reached (act 542), theEMS re-sends the existing request for emergency assistance to the newEDC (act 536). Upon detecting that the maximum number of attempts havebeen reached (act 542), the EMS manages the emergency response for thecommunication device (act 544).

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system for providingforecast for responders (e.g. first responders). In some embodiments, auser 600 uses his or her communication device 606 to send over acommunication link 624 a request for assistance to an EMS 630, whereinthe EMS 630 shares this request, via communication link 626, with an EDC650 (such as a PSAP). In further embodiments, data such as location dataregarding the communication device 606 is provided to one or more of theEMS 630, EDC 650, and first responder 682, in a format that iscompatible with each entity, through secure and trusted pathways.

In some embodiments, the EMS 630 identifies, with help from the EDC 650,a first responder 680 (e.g., a police unit, an ambulance, fire unit, oranother first responder) assigned or to be assigned to the request foremergency assistance. It is understood that the responders aredispatched by both private and public entities including municipalities,counties, hospitals, universities or colleges, private securityagencies, road-side assistance companies, corporations, private groups,and other entities.

In some embodiments, a suitable data communication session (via link626) is established between the EMS 630 and the EDC 650, and between theEMS 630 and the communication device of the first responder 682 (vialink 686), wherein these communication sessions are bridged together bythe EMS 630 so that information or data received, including multimediamedia information, by any of the communication device or the EMS, ismade available to the communication device of the first responder 682.In some embodiments, the EMS 630 has access to location data from thefirst responder 682. Exemplary communication devices of the responders(1882, 1982) include mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, digitalradios, walkie talkies, and mobile data terminals in the vehicle orother devices. In some embodiments, the communication devicescommunicate wirelessly through secure and trusted paths (e.g. a cellularnetwork). In some embodiments, the communication links with thecommunication devices of the responders 682 utilize secured andencrypted communication pathways (e.g., encryption, password protection,authorization codes, anonymized networks, secure instant messaging,secure VoIP, secure email, etc.). In some embodiments, the EMS 630 isadded as a “trusted connection” on the responder device(s) 682 and thecommunication travels through a trusted path or channel so thatunauthorized users or hackers cannot interfere with the communication.In some embodiments, a responder device 682 use techniques foranonymization including proxy connections, encryption, and other methodsto maintain the integrity of one or more of the communication links(684, 688, 686).

In some embodiments, the EMS 630 estimates a forecast for the responderssuch as a estimated time of arrival (ETA) or estimated distance (ED). Insome embodiments, a forecast is shared with user 600 via the display 602of the communication device 606. In some embodiments, the forecast isdisplayed upon request (e.g. by a user, EMS operator, and/or firstresponder). In some embodiments, the forecast is shared with PSAPoperator(s) (e.g. operator 666) on one or more PSAP systems 651. In someembodiments, the PSAP system 651 includes a display 657 for displaying aforecast.

In some embodiments, the EMS 630 collects location data pertaining tothe communication device 606 and shares this estimate of the locationwith the EDC 650 via links 624 and 626. In some embodiments, the EMS 630additionally or alternatively sends the digital equivalent of theestimate of the location based meta-data information to a cellular basestation tower (not shown) using an analog channel, which in-turn sharesthis information with the EDC 650 over an analog channel. In someembodiments, the EDC 650 shares this information with the communicationdevice 606 to the user 600, either via the EMS 630 or directly via ahybrid digital or analog channel. In some embodiments, the EMS 630 alsoshares the estimate of the location of the meta-data information withthe communication device via a digital communication channel.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for communicatinginformation about responders. The EMS detects reception of locationbased meta-data information at at least one first communication moduleof the EMS (act 712) and verifies the authenticity of the sender of thelocation based meta-data information (act 714). Responsive to not beingable to verify the authenticity of the sender (act 714), the EMSrequests authentication information from the sending device (act 732)and then waits to receive the authentication information and thenverifies the received information (act 714). After successfullyverifying the authenticity of the sender of the location based meta-datainformation (act 614), the EMS formats the location based meta-datainformation in an industry acceptable format and stores the informationin a primary memory unit hosted in the EMS (act 716). The EMS thencalculates the estimated distance and estimated time of arrival of theresponders to the location of the communication device, or the locationof the emergency. The location of the emergency as known by the EMS isbased on the received location based meta-data information including thelocation of a communication device of the first responder (act 718). TheEMS then shares the location based meta-data information, estimateddistance and estimated time of arrival of the responders, with thecommunication device from which the request for emergency assistance wasreceived and/or with any other authorized communication device (act722).

In some embodiments, the EMS then checks if there is updated locationbased meta-data information available (act 724). Responsive to verifyingthat there is no updated location based meta-data information (act 724),the EMS waits for a specified period of time (act 728) and then goesback to detecting any location based meta-data information at the atleast one first communication module of the EMS (act 712). If the EMSdetects an updated location based meta-data information (act 724), theEMS then computes the new estimated distance and estimated time ofarrival of the responders at the location of the communication device(act 726) and checks if the calculated estimated distance and estimatedtime of arrival information is significantly different from the samealready computed and shared information (act 734). Responsive toverifying that the calculated estimated distance and estimated time ofarrival information is not significantly different from the same alreadyshared with the communication device (act 734), the EMS waits for aspecified period of time (act 728), and then goes back to detecting anylocation based meta-data information at the at least one firstcommunication module of the EMS (act 712). Responsive to determiningthat the calculated estimated distance and/or estimated time of arrivalinformation is significantly different from the same already shared withthe communication device (act 734), the EMS shares the new locationbased meta-data information, estimated distance, and estimated time ofarrival of the responders with the communication device from which therequest for emergency assistance was received and/or with any otherauthorized communication device (act 736).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method by which acommunication device receives and displays information about responders.The communication device detects reception of location based meta-datainformation regarding responders from an EMS and displays thisinformation to the user of the communication device in a user interfacein an interactive fashion. The communication device detects reception oflocation based meta-data information from the EMS (act 812) at at leastone first communication module of the communication device and storesthe location based meta-data information in a primary memory unit hostedin the communication device (act 814). The communication device thenverifies if the received location based meta-data information, estimateddistance and estimated time of arrival of the responders is an update ofpreviously received location based meta-data information (act 816).Responsive to verifying that the shared location based meta-datainformation, estimated distance of the responders from the user and/oremergency event, and estimated time of arrival of the responders isindeed an update of previously received location based meta-datainformation (act 816), the communication device retrieves the newestimated distance of the responders from the user and/or emergencyevent and estimated time of arrival of the responders from the locationbased meta-data information (act 826) and displays this information byupdating the interactive user interface of the communication device (act828). Responsive to verifying that the shared location based meta-datainformation, estimated distance of the responders from the user and/oremergency event, and estimated time of arrival of the responders is notan update of previously received location based meta-data information(act 816), the communication device displays this information on theinteractive user interface of the communication device (act 818).

In some embodiments, the communication device then checks if there isupdated location based meta-data information available (act 822).Responsive to verifying that there is no updated location basedmeta-data information (act 822), the communication device waits for aspecified period of time (act 832), and then goes back to detecting anylocation based meta-data information at the at least one firstcommunication module of the communication device (act 812). If thecommunication device detects updated location based meta-datainformation (act 822) it compares the updated estimated distance andestimated time of arrival of the responders with the existing locationbased meta-data information (act 824) and checks if the updatedestimated distance and estimated time of arrival information issignificantly different from the information already available at thecommunication device (act 824). Responsive to determining that theupdated estimated distance and/or estimated time of arrival informationis not significantly different from the same already available with thecommunication device0 (act 186), the communication device0 waits for aspecific period of time (act 185), and then goes back to detecting anylocation based meta-data information at the at least one firstcommunication module of the communication device (act 180). In someembodiments, there is a significant difference when the updatedestimated distance and previous estimated distance (e.g. between therespective centers of the estimated locations) have a difference of atleast about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 meters. In some embodiments, there is asignificant difference when the updated estimated time of arrival andprevious estimated time of arrival have a difference of at least about1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60minutes.

Alternatively, responsive to determining that the updated estimateddistance and estimated time of arrival information is significantlydifferent from the same already shared with the communication device(act 824), the communication device retrieves the new estimated distanceand estimated time of arrival information from the received locationbased meta-data information (act 826) and displays this information byupdating the interactive user interface of the communication device (act828) with the new estimated distance and estimated time of arrival ofthe responders from the location based meta-data information. Thecommunication device waits for a specified period of time (act 832), andthen goes back to detecting any location based meta-data information atthe at least one first communication module of the communication device(act 812).

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method by which responderforecasts are estimated and selectively shared with users. A usertriggers an emergency at an emergency location (act 912). In otherembodiments, the emergency is triggered autonomously and confirmed bythe user. After the emergency has been triggered, an emergency session(e.g., an emergency call) is established between the user and the PSAPvia an EMS or directly. Responders (e.g. police, fire, ambulance, towtruck, etc.) are assigned to respond to the emergency and dispatched tothe emergency location (also referred to as “assigned responders.” Insome embodiments, at the request of the user or automatically, the EMSmakes an estimate regarding the arrival of responders to the emergencysite. This information provides reassurance to the user who isexperiencing the emergency and he and she can plan for the wait. Forexample, a user who has a bleeding wound may apply pressure to the wounduntil the first responders are on the scene (e.g., for 5 minutes).

In some embodiments, the EMS determines if it has current location dataor real-time location for one or more responder vehicles or devices (act914). If the current location data of responders is known, thencommercial driving navigation APIs are used to estimate distance andtime of arrival (act 916). In some embodiments, the responders have beenassigned or may be assigned to respond to the emergency. In particular,the responders may be responsible for responding to emergencies at thatlocation. If there are more than one responder (who is assigned or aboutto be assigned), their location may be averaged. Once the estimate fordistance and time of arrival is made, the EMS displays the responderlocation based on the user's authorization. For example, in someembodiments, certain users such as first responders (e.g. police, fire,or ambulance) who are experiencing an emergency are considered“privileged” users and are authorized to view location of responders whomay be dispatched to respond to the emergency. If the user hasauthorization, the location of the responders is then shared with theuser (act 918, 926).

In some embodiments, when the user has authorization, time estimates(e.g. estimated time of arrival, ETA) are shared with the user (act 922,928). In some embodiments, the ETA is determined using commerciallyavailable navigation software. In some embodiments, the ETA iscalculated in the EMS. In some embodiments, if time estimates areavailable and the user is authorized to view them, then distanceestimates are not calculated.

In some embodiments, when the user does not have authorization to viewtime estimates, a responder travel distance is calculated and sharedwith the user (act 924, 932). In some embodiments, users with lowerprivilege (e.g. general users) have authorization to view responderdistance as compared to real-time location of responders. In someembodiments, the user is not authorized to view any type of responderforecast (act 934).

In some embodiments, one or more of responder location, time estimate,and distance is re-calculated periodically based on updated locationdata of the responders. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of acts914, 916, 918, 926, 922, 928, 924, 932 is repeated when updatedresponder location data is available.

In some embodiments, responder forecasts are estimated and displayed atPSAP systems (e.g. 651 in FIG. 6). In other embodiments, the responderforecast are estimated and displayed by the communication devices (e.g.606). An advantage of the disclosed method is that the completeinformation is not required to generate a forecast. For example, limitedinformation that does not include the identity and real-time location ofresponders is sufficient to generate a forecast.

In many cases, responder forecasts are generated based on publicly orprivately available information. In some cases, information aboutresponder assets, such as locations for police stations, fire stations,hospitals, clinics, are available from mapping services or othersources. In some cases, information (such as police strength, vehicles,location of stations, etc.) about responder resources in a city orcounty are available on the website of the city or county.

In some embodiments, the EMS uses public and/or private sources todetermine the number and/or location of responder assets (e.g. policestations, fire stations, hospitals, etc.), which may be deployed torespond to the particular emergency. For this analysis, in someembodiments, the EMS accounts for at least one of the type of emergency(medical, fire, law & enforcement, etc.), the severity of the emergency,and number of people or pets in the area. In some embodiments, when thelocation of responder assets are available (act 936), commercial drivingnavigation APIs are used to estimate the responder forecasts (e.g.responder distance and responder time estimate) from each facility (act938).

In some embodiments, estimates for the responder forecasts are adjustedtaking into account factors such as on-going emergencies, currentdriving conditions, inclement weather, etc. (act 942). In someembodiments, a time multiplier is computed and the responder forecast isadjusted. In some embodiments, based on the authorization of the user,one or more responder forecasts are displayed (act 918, 926, 922, 928,924, 932).

In some embodiments, when there is limited information about responderassets, statistical and historical response for the area and region isused to calculate responder forecasts. In some embodiments, statisticaland historical data is obtained from publicly or privately availablesources including the EMS's historical record of emergency response inthe area. In some embodiments, based on historical response times,responder forecasts, such as time and distance estimates are calculated(act 944, 946) and displayed to users (act 922, 928, 924, 932).

FIG. 10A depicts an exemplary screenshot of a communication device with“estimated time of arrival (ETA)” for responders. The screenshot 1010shows that the user (e.g., user 200 from FIG. 2) is “connected” (1020)with an EDC or PSAP 250 or a private service provider. In someembodiments, the call is routed through EMS 230. After receiving arequest for assistance, the EDC provides information (including locationdata and type of emergency) about the emergency to responders who canprovide assistance on the scene. In some embodiments, the EDC or EMS isaware of one or more units of responders who will be deployed on thescene and is able to provide information about the emergency response tothe user who is in the emergency situation. Providing information aboutthe emergency response is helpful because the information helps informthe user's attempts to administer self-help while waiting for respondersto come on the scene. For example, in the case of a fire, the EDC isable to advise the user to use a fire extinguisher with theunderstanding that the user just needs to keep the flames under controluntil the first responders.

As shown, in some embodiments, a responder forecast is calculated anddisplayed to the an authorized user. Here, an “estimated time of arrival(ETA)” 1030 for responders is shown as “Responder will be arriving in 10minutes.” In some embodiments, the ETA is updated in real-time withaccurate information. It is understood that the ETA is capable of beingdisplayed in various ways so that the user experiencing the emergencyand/or near-by persons understands how long it will take for respondersto arrive. In some embodiments, the screen 2010 includes instructions onwhat to do while waiting and/or self-help guidelines. In an alternativeembodiment, the screen 2010 includes a map showing the location ofresponders (not shown). In further embodiments, the map showing thelocation of responders is updated in real-time.

In addition, FIG. 10A shows an exemplary embodiment of a screen 1010allowing the user to choose 4-options while communicating with theEDC—text or SMS 1022, camera 1027, speaker phone 1026, can't speak 1028.In some embodiments, the screenshot includes a log 1032 about thelocation data that is being shared with the EMS and/or EDC. Here, thelog 1032 indicates that the location of the device has been updated. The“End call” button 1034 allows the user to end the connection.

FIG. 10B depicts an exemplary screenshot of a communication device withlocation sharing settings. The screen 1040 shows “location sharing”settings on a communication device.

By moving the toggle buttons 1056, a user provides permission orauthorization to share his or her location information (e.g.,geographical coordinates from GPS on the communication device or apre-saved location, such as home address) with different users andentities through electronic communications (e.g., with other memberdevices in a group or service providers). As shown, the data sharingsettings allow a user to give permission to share his or her locationwith various location recipients 1042—“All”, “Friends & Family”,“Medical assets”, “Safety Assets”, “Responders”, “Volunteers.”

In some embodiments, the location recipients 1042 are user-definedgroups or individuals such as a list of family members. For example, inone embodiment, an elderly user includes several family members into agroup and shares his location with them periodically so that they stayinformed about his well-being. In addition to family members, in someembodiments, a user creates a group of medical providers or medicalassets who are able to view his location during an emergency.

In some embodiments, the location recipients 1042 are obtained frompublic or private databases. For example, in some embodiments, one ormore contacts are automatically imported into a “friends & family”group. In some embodiments, medical assets include nearby hospitals andclinics from “yellow pages.” In further embodiments, stored informationabout the medical assets include online reviews of the medical assets.

It is noted that the screen 1040 is exemplary, and multiple variationsare contemplated including real-time authorization for specificcommunications, authorization at registration, and/or other variations.In some embodiments, the user chooses to share location information onlyduring emergencies with users in an emergency contact list, users,responders and volunteers in the vicinity, and others. In someembodiments, the user chooses the type of security or encryptionprocedures used when sharing location information to protect the user'sprivacy.

In addition to sharing response forecasts, in some embodiments, the EMSgenerates and displays geographical maps of response assets. FIG. 10Cdepicts an exemplary screenshot of a communication device showing a mapof an exemplary type of response asset—medical assets. In someembodiments, one or more geographical maps for “police assets”, “fireresponse assets”, “safety assets”, “vehicle rescue assets”, “pet rescueassets”, “water rescue assets” are generated.

In addition, in some embodiments, a similar screenshot is displayed atan EDC or PSAP (e.g. PSAP 650 in FIG. 6) which has received theemergency request for assistance for dispatching responders to theemergency location and/or for monitoring the emergency response. Forexample, the CPE App 652 in the PSAP system 651 (via “Assets MappingModule” 165) shares a similar geographical map of medical assets ondisplay 657 for PSAP operators 666. In some embodiments, depending onthe zoom of the map, the PSAP operators 666 view response assets thatare in proximity to the emergency location for sending the response. Insome embodiments, when current location of the responders is available,the movement of response assets (e.g., fire trucks sent to the scent) ismonitored on the map. In some embodiments, the geographical map isgenerated by the EMS 630 or the PSAP system 651. In some embodiments, asdescribed in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10A, the PSAP system 651 also displaysresponder forecasts to PSAP operators 666 for monitoring the emergencyand informing users in the emergency situation via a “Responder ForecastModule 167).

Referring FIG. 10C, the screen 1070 shows geographical location ofmedical assets on a map 1080. In some embodiments, medical assetsinclude hospitals, clinics, doctors, nurses, pharmacies, first aid kits,and/or other assets. The navigation bar 1072 at the bottom of the screen1070 shows individual medical assets and a button for adding assets 1074by the user of the communication device (or a PSAP operator who is usingPSAP system). In some embodiments, the locations of the medical assetsare displayed based on their physical addresses listed on public andprivate lists or databases or from communication devices in thosefacilities.

In some embodiments, the map 1080 shows location pins or markers 1082for medical assets (e.g., hospitals, clinics, etc.) and points ofinterest 1084 (e.g., train stations, public parks, etc.) in relation tostreets and intersections. In addition, in some embodiments, if the useror person in the emergency (based on location of associated devices) islocated within the viewed area of the map 1080, a user location pin 1086(not shown) is included. It is understood that the viewed area of themap is adjustable by zooming in or out, rotating the angle of view,and/or panning. In some embodiments, a user uses a “check-in” (such asbutton 1088) or an “all OK” button to instantly share his or herlocation with individuals and entities authorized to receive thisinformation.

It is understood that the screen 1070 is exemplary and severalvariations are contemplated. In some embodiments, the map 1080 showssafety assets (such as police, private security personnel, fireextinguishers, fire hydrants, chemical showers, etc.), responders (EMTs,paramedics, etc.), volunteers (fire marshals, etc.).

FIG. 11 is an illustration of one embodiment of a system for storing andretrieving location data. In some embodiments, the EMS 1130 includes oneor more databases 1135 for storing data, such as a location database1137 and a user information database 1139. In other embodiments, userdata and location data is saved in one or more databases in adistributed manner. In some embodiments, the data is saved in anexternal server that is accessible to the EMS 1130. In some embodiments,the data in the databases 1135 are obtained from one or more types ofcommunication devices such as mobile phones (e.g., via communicationlink 1101), wearable devices, laptop, desktop, personal assistants,vehicle consoles, home security systems, IoT devices, camera feeds,vehicle telematics sources, and other data sources. Specifically, insome embodiments, location data is determined on the device(s) usingGPS, received location data from cellular base station signaltriangulation, Wi-Fi location data, Bluetooth beacon data, or any otherform of location data stored at the communication device.

In some embodiments, an emergency is triggered by the user 1100 by usingthe user interface 1113 of the communication device 1106 (e.g. bypressing a soft button, a physical button, voice command, or gesture).In other embodiments, the emergency is triggered autonomously based onsensor data (e.g. smoke alarms). In some embodiments, the user 1100confirms the emergency and/or provides authorization for sending theemergency alert. In addition to mobile phones, emergency calls are madeby telematics equipped vehicles, medical monitoring devices and wearabledevices. In some embodiments, the EMS 1130 formats the location datainto a type that is compatible with industry standards for storing andsharing location data. For example, in some embodiments, the locationdata is formatted to be compatible with NENA standards. In someembodiments, a current location of the device 1106 is saved in databases1135. In some embodiments, when queries (such as a GET request)following the Location Information Server (LIS) protocol are sent byrequesting parties (e.g. PSAPs, call centers, operations center, familyand friends, etc.), an application 1141 in the EMS 1130 sends anappropriate response via encrypted pathway 1109. Within the EMS 1130,the App queries in the databases 1135 to respond to the query. In someembodiments, one or more LIS queries are in HTTP-Enabled LocationDelivery (HELD), and the responses are in Presence Information DataFormat Location Object (PIDF-LO).

An exemplary request for location of a device for phone number “+1555-555-5555” is shown below. Although not shown, the credential oraccess key is optionally provided in the header of the query.

<?xml version=“1.0”?> <locationRequestxmlns=“urn:ietf:params:xml:ns:geopriv:held”>  <locationraTypeexact=“false”> any  </locationType>  <devicexmlns=“urn:ietf:params:xml:ns:geopriv:held:id”><uri>tel:+15555555555</uri>  </device> </locationRequest>

An exemplary LIS response in a standard format compatible with industrystandards, PIDF-LO is shown below. If the query includes an inactive orexpired credential or access key, an error response will be generated.

 <?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“utf-8”?>  <held:locationResponsexmlns:gbp=“urn:ietf:params:xml:ns:pidf:geopriv10:basicPolicy” xmlns:gp=“urn:ietf:params:xml:ns:pidf:geopriv10” xmlns:gs=“http://www.opengis.net/pidflo/1.0” xmlns:pidf=“urn:ietf:params:xml:ns:pidf” xmlns:gml=“http://www.opengis.net/gml” xmlns:held=“urn:ietf:params:xml:ns:geopriv:held”> <held:locationUriSetexpires=“2016-11-10 01:31:21.123713”> <held:locationURI>https://api-sandbox.rapidsos.com/v1/location/lbyr/?ref=c786f6b9-5e06-4611-a1c9-fbf9333e5652</held:locationURI> </held:locationUriSet> <pidf:presenceentity=“tel:+15555555555”> <pidf:tupleid=“vcefda6f4-ec1c-4721-9f41-225d5ff38c09”> <pidf:status> <gp:geopriv><gp:location-info> <gs:Circle> <gml:pos>37.4219983 -122.084</gml:pos><gs:radius uom=“urn:ogc:def:uom:EPSG::9001”> 20.0</gs:radius></gs:Circle> <ca:civicAddress xml:lang=“en”> <ca:A1>CA</ca:A1><ca:A3>Mountain View</ca:A3> <ca:RD>Amphitheatre</ca:RD><ca:STS>Pkwy</ca:STS> <ca:HNO>1600</ca:HNO> <ca:PC>94043</ca:PC><ca:BLD>Google Bldg 40</ca:BLD> </ca:civicAddress> </gp:location-info><gp:usage-rules> <gbp:retransmission-allowed>false</gbp:retransmission-allowed> </gp:usage-rules> </gp:geopriv></pidf:status> <pidf:timestamp> 2016-09-15T23:59:46.778000+00:00</pidf:timestamp> </pidf:tuple>  </pidf:presence></held:locationResponse>

In some embodiments, other information is formatted and saved in thedatabase(s) 1135. In some embodiments, when queries following theAdditional Data Repository (ADR) protocol are sent by requesting parties(e.g. PSAPs, other authorized third parties), an application 1143 in theEMS 1130 sends an appropriate response via encrypted pathway 1145. Insome embodiments, an authorization code is included in the body, headeror meta-data of the query and the EMS 1130 checks that the authorizationis active before providing access. In some embodiments, the categoriesof data available by ADR queries are selected from the group consistingof: service data reference, full name, email, emergency contacts,addresses, language, occupation, phone numbers, websites, gender,height, weight, ethnicity, profile picture, allergies, medicalconditions, medications, disabilities, blood type, medical notes,birthday, and additional comments.

In some embodiments, the data is tagged with tags for specific types ofdata such as “demographics” or “medical data.” For example, in someembodiments, gender, height, weight, ethnicity, profile picture(image-url) are tagged as demographic data. In some embodiments, medicaldata protected under HIPAA and other laws are tagged as “HIPAA” or“private.” In some embodiments, medical data includes information on oneor more of allergies, medical condition(s) or illness(es),medication(s), disabilities, blood type, medical note(s), and othermedical information. In some embodiments, medical information protectedunder HIPAA are encrypted and/or anonymized. In some embodiments, somedata are tagged as “general” or another similar tag, wherein access isnot specifically restricted.

The sample ADR query for device phone number “+1-777-999-7777” forinformation in the “device info” block is shown below. Although notshown, the credential or access key may be provided in the header of thequery.http://api-demo.rapidsos.com/v1/adr/?caller_id=17779997777&section=device_info

An exemplary ADR response in a standard format compatible with industrystandards, PIDF-LO is shown below. If the query includes an inactive orexpired credential or access key, an error response will be generated.

HTTP/1.1 200 OK Date: Tue, 01 Dec 2016 23:27:30 GMT Content-Length: 489Content-Type: application/EmergencyCallData.DeviceInfo+xml<dev:EmergencyCallData.DeviceInfoxmlns:dev=“urn:ietf:params:xml:ns:EmergencyCallData:DeviceInfo”><dev:DataProviderReference>d4b3072df.201409182208075@example.org

TABLE 1 Exemplary Data Blocks for ADR Requests Block Name DescriptionData This block supplies name and contact information for the Providerentity that created the data. It includes identification and contactinformation. Service This block supplies information about the servicethat the Information service provider provides to the caller. DeviceThis block supplies information about the device placing Information thecall. Owner/ This block supplies information about the owner of theSubscriber device or about the subscriber. Comment This block provides away to supply free form human- readable text to the PSAP or emergencyresponders.

In some embodiments, for LIS and/or ADR queries, authorization andcredential management allow differential access to requesting parties.In some embodiments, data is queried over public networks by using APIaccess keys or credentials. In some embodiments, Transport layerSecurity (TLS) is used in the queries for encryption. In someembodiments, authorization is provided in the “Authorization” header ofthe query using HTTP Basic Authentication. For example, in someembodiments, authorization is base64-encoded user name and password forthe account.

In some embodiments, on the PSAP side, the PSAP 1150 includes a PSAPsystem 1051 including hardware and software. In some embodiments, thePSAP system 1151 includes a call-handling application, CPE App 1152 witha “LIS/ADR Query module” (See 169 in FIG. 1C) for sending LIS/ADRqueries. In some embodiments, when the PSAP requires data about a useror a device (such as current location data), the operator interacts withthe CPE App 1152 to send the request. In some embodiments, the responseis displayed in a PSAP display (not shown).

In some embodiments, the PSAPs or other requesting parties requirecredentials or access keys. In some embodiments, access keys areactivated by completing due diligence by phone, email or mailverification. In some embodiments, access keys expire and have to berenewed. In some embodiments, access is rate limited to a certain numberof queries in a specified time limit (e.g. 1000 requests per minute) andmonitored for abuse. In some embodiments, if a request with inactive orexpired credentials is received, access is denied and an error isgenerated. In some embodiments, if an account or site has beencompromised, the associated access keys are temporarily or permanentlydisabled. In some embodiments, access keys or credentials allow fordifferential access to different requesting parties. For example, insome embodiments, the access key notes the access level of the thirdparty, and some data is excluded from the ADR response based on theaccess level. In the case of LIS, in some embodiments, an access key isexcluded based on user preferences or other reasons from receivingcurrent location data. Thus, in some embodiments, the access key forPSAP systems are different from ambulance consoles, wherein ambulancepersonnel are given access to data tagged as “medical data” but PSAPsare not granted access to said data. Thus, in such embodiments, when thePSAP operators send an ADR request for data, data tagged as “medicaldata”, are excluded due to the PSAP lacking an access key for the data.

In some embodiments, when the location database stored at a third partyserver receives a request for information from the EMS 1130 only, as adatabase query, the location database formats the requested locationdata and stores this information in the alternate database, and forwardseither a database query response or a reference to the alternatedatabase for accessing the location data requested by the EMS 1130,which is provided to the PSAP 1150, over a hybrid analog and/or a datacommunication channel, depending on the capabilities of PSAP 1150. Insome embodiments, the location database stores the location datarequested from the location database either by the EMS 1130 or directlyby a switching center, in an alternate database for a certain period oftime after receiving the request for the location data regarding a user1100 and any communication devices 1106. In some embodiments, thisperiod of time is a timer value (e.g. a timer countdown or a set timepoint) defined by the EMS 1130 and the location database in conjunctionwith each other prior to the addition of the particular information tothe alternate database at the location database. In some embodiments,once the timer value has passed and no new requests for the locationdata pertaining to the particular user 1100 and the communication device1106 and other devices associated to the user 1100 are received by thelocation database, then the location database marks the particularalternate database entries to be deleted and waits for another,different, time-out interval. In some embodiments, once this particularsecond time-out interval has also been completed and no new requests forlocation data for the particular user 1100 or associated communicationdevices 1106 is received by the location database, the location databaseremoves the specific marked entries from the alternate database in thenext cycle of updates for the alternate database. In some embodiments,after adding the location data in the alternate database by the locationdatabase, the location database keeps updating the information in thealternate database on a periodic, or as-needed basis, for the purpose ofkeeping the location data about the user 1100 current for providing themost recent and accurate location data to the EMS 1130, the switchinggateway, and the PSAP 1150 for the purposes of responding to a requestfor emergency assistance. In some embodiments, the location database isupdated by the EMS 1130 for all the location data pertaining to allusers and their associated communication devices that are served by theEMS 1130 at any current time.

In some non-emergency situations, there is a need to access locationdata, user data, emergency data or sensor data. For example, in someembodiments, a user grants authorization to family members to accesslocation data for the user. Accordingly, when a family member requestslocation data for a user, access is granted if there is properauthorization. As another example, in some embodiments, a taxioperations company requests and obtains location data of one or morefleet members to keep track of its vehicles (e.g. via onboard vehicleconsole or terminal).

FIG. 12 is an illustration of one embodiment of a method for detectingand sharing location data in a format compatible with industrystandards. The location Information database (LID) (e.g. database 1135in FIG. 11) detects a request for location based meta-data information(LBMD) from a pre-authorized or an unauthorized source, for example, anEMS 1130, an EDC 1150, or another source (act 1213). The LID checks ifthe device requesting LBMD is authenticated to receive the LBMD (act1214). Responsive to determining that the device is not authenticated,the LID requests authentication information from the device (act 1216).Responsive to successful authentication of the device requesting LBMD,the LID accesses the requested LBMD information from a primary memorysource hosted on the LID and formats the information in an industryacceptable format (act 1218). The LID then stores the formatted LBMD ina format that is accessible by a web resource and stores this dulyformatted LBMD in a secondary memory location that is accessible by aweb resource locator, for example, a web browser (act 1222). The LIDthen shares the accessed LBMD from the primary memory location in theindustry acceptable format with the authorized requesting device (act1224). The LID also shares the location of the web resource includingthe LBMD formatted for access by a web resource locator with therequesting device (act 1232). The LID then verifies that the EMS, orother device requesting this LBMD information, for example, EDC receivedthe duly formatted LBMD (act 1226). Responsive to verifying that theLBMD is not received (act 1238), the LID sends the duly formatted LBMDand the location of the web resource including the LBMD formatted foraccess by a web resource locator to the requesting device (act 1234) onemore time and requests verification of the reception of the dulyformatted for compatibility with industry standards LBMD. Responsive tosuccessfully verifying that the duly formatted LBMD is received by therequesting device, for example, an EMS or an EDC, the LID monitors therequest and updates the LBMD and shares it once more if an update isavailable (act 1232). Responsive to detecting, via completion of aperiodic time-cycle or occurrence of a certain trigger event (act 1238),that new LBMD is available for an existing communication deviceassociated with a user (act 1236), LID stores an updated copy of theLBMD in the primary and secondary memory and shares the LBMD with anyrequesting devices (act 1232). Upon only detecting a periodic cyclecompletion (act 1234), LID checks to see if there is updated LBMD (act1236) and upon not detecting any, delays for a specific time and thenchecks again or checks based on occurrence of certain trigger events(act 1238). Responsive to detecting updated LBMD LID stores an updatedcopy of the LBMD in the primary and secondary memory, and shares theLBMD with any requesting devices (act 1232).

Automatic Public Safety Answering Point Look-Up

An emergency call can be a time-consuming process that wastes valuabletime in obtaining emergency assistance. For example, a location of theuser device making the call has to be queried against a database (e.g.an SRDB) to find an appropriate EDC. At times, the location informationavailable at the location database or SRDB is outdated and does notreflect the current location of the user communication device. Forexample, the last cellular tower that the user communication devicecommunicated through may not be the cellular tower that is closest tothe current location of the user communication device. As a result, theEDC selected by querying the location database may not be the mostappropriate EDC for responding to the request for emergency assistance,and therefore delays may be incurred for the user in receiving emergencyassistance. Since this process of locating the appropriate EDC at thenetwork end occurs after the user has placed a request for emergencyassistance via a user communication device, any delays in identifyingthe appropriate EDC that should respond to the request for emergencyassistance means potential delays for the user to receive emergencyassistance.

Therefore, in one aspect, disclosed herein are methods for an EMS or alocationing center to receive periodic and/or aperiodic location dataabout a user communication device directly from the user communicationdevice or via other sources, for example, cellular base stations orWi-Fi routers. The EMS or locationing center may request updatedlocation data based on various factors, for example, the periodicity ofthe received location data or time lapsed since the last receivedlocation data from the user communication device. The EMS or locationingcenter may poll a location database using the location data of the usercommunication device to identify an EDC that serves the location of theuser communication device.

Also disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of methods includingdetermining at a user communication device if there is a need for thedevice to transmit updated location information to an EMS or alocationing center. This determination may be made based on variousfactors, for example, whether or not the last transmitted locationinformation is within a certain time-frame of the current time, whethera certain cycle for transmission of the location information is reached,whether a certain minimum distance has been covered by the device ascalculated from the identification of the cellular base stationinformation received from decoding the packets and frames at thecommunication module, and other forms of identifying that thetransmission of the location information to the EMS or a locationingcenter is due. Responsive to this determination, the user communicationdevice may transmit the latest location information to the EMS orlocationing center. Some embodiments include a method for sending thelatest location information, stored at the user communication device, tothe EMS or a locationing center on a periodic basis.

Also disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of a method performedat a EMS or a locationing center to detect that a certain usercommunication device has requested emergency assistance, and thisrequest for emergency assistance has been routed to the latest EDCassociated with the user communication device. Based on an analysis atthe EMS or a locationing center done over a period of time, over acertain number of update cycles, or after not receiving periodicinformation update for certain periodicity cycles, that the locationinformation of the user communication device may be significantlydifferent from the stored location information at the EMS or alocationing center, the EMS or locationing center may request the usercommunication device, or any other device on the network capable of, orpossibly storing, location information about the user communicationdevice, to transmit the latest location information of the usercommunication device. Upon receiving this location information, the EMSor locationing center may query a location database for an EDC servingthe latest location of the user communication device. If the EDC servingthe latest location of the user communication device is different thanthe EDC currently processing the request for emergency assistance, theEMS or locationing center may forward the request for emergencyassistance to the new EDC and managing the communication between the newand previous EDC to ensure the new EDC is able to process the requestfor emergency assistance received from the user communication device.

In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a method for alocationing center placed inside of a service network, for example, acall center or a gateway mobile location center (GMLC), that isresponsible for identifying the current location of a user communicationdevice, or an emergency management system (EMS), to receive, either viarequesting or by the user communication device sending on its ownaccord, location information derived from various methods, for example,GPS position information or position information derived from thecellular network provider via triangulation of the received signalstrengths from 3 separate cellular phone base stations, or locationinformation derived from received signal strengths indicators receivedat a Wi-Fi router and signal strengths of signals received at a Wi-Firouter of digital signals sent from the user communication device, fromthe user communication device on a periodic or as-needed basis so thatthe locationing center or EMS is aware of the latest location of thedevice in a proactive fashion, and is aware of any significant changesin the location of the user communication device, including a change oflocation of the user communication device from the service area of agiven EDC to the service area of another EDC. Further, in thisembodiment the locationing center or EMS, can query a location database,for example, a SRDB, with the location information received from theuser communication device, and receive in response an indication of anEDC that serves the latest location estimate of the user communicationdevice. Based on this updated information about the EDC serving thelatest location of the user communication device, the locationing centeris able to associate the information about the EDC with the usercommunication device as the preferred EDC to be called if a request foremergency assistance is received from the user communication device.Further, in such an embodiment, when a locationing center or an EMSreceives a request for emergency assistance from a user communicationdevice, and the location information available with the locationingcenter or the EMS about the user communication device is not updated fora certain period of time, the locationing center or EMS sends a requestto the user communication device, and/or other devices in the network,for example, a cellular tower or other locationing centers, forreceiving from them the latest updated location information about theuser communication device. The locationing center or EMS updates the EDCif the received updated location of the user communication device isdifferent from the saved location at the locationing center or EMS.

In certain embodiments the user communication device hosts anapplication client and sends the location information on a periodicbasis, or as triggered by events, to the locationing center or an EMS.The user communication device also uses this application client torespond to requests from the locationing center or EMS for updatedlocation information. The user communication device also, if needed,sends a request for emergency assistance to an EDC via this applicationclient. The application client manages the connection between the usercommunication device and the locationing center or EMS.

In certain embodiments, the user communication device is a mobilecommunication device, for example, a Smart Phone, a wearable device, aTablet Computer, or another device enabled to communicate over a datachannel.

In certain embodiments, the user communication device uses locationingservices provided by an enterprise wherein the location informationabout the device is derived from the physical or network address of anetwork router, for example, a Wi-Fi router or a Ethernet router placedwithin the enterprise network.

In certain embodiments, the location of the user communication device isdefined using a coordinate system, for example, an “X-Y” coordinatesystem, where the latitude and longitude of the location of the deviceare provided and the locationing center or EMS and the usercommunication device are able to geographically locate the actualposition of the device using this latitude and longitude information.

In certain embodiments, the location of the user communication device isdefined using location and identification information of at least 3cellular towers that the user communication device is, or waspreviously, associated to, the 3 or more cellular towers having coverageareas that are overlapping or adjoining to each other.

In certain embodiments, the user communication device updates a thirdparty, for example, a network device, Wi-Fi router, or another callcenter from a different network than the one the device is currentlyconnected to, for example a network the user communication device wasconnected to immediately prior to the current network.

In certain embodiments, the data channel between the user communicationdevice and the locationing center or EMS is a SIP data channel or aH.323 data channel.

Other embodiments, aspects, and features of the disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure,including the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings,and the appended claims.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods for a usercommunication device to share updated location information with alocationing center, the method comprising: determining, at the usercommunication device a current location of the user communicationdevice; transmitting an indication of the current location of the usercommunication device to a locationing center and/or EMS on one of aperiodic basis or upon occurrence of a certain specific event;confirming reception of the transmission of the indication of thecurrent location of the user communication device with the locationingcenter and/or EMS; updating a local database at the locationing centerand/or EMS and identifying the current location of the usercommunication device as a most current location of the usercommunication device; and querying, by the locationing center and/orEMS, a location database using the most current location of the usercommunication device; receiving from the location database in responseto querying the location database using the most current location of theuser communication device, an identity of a first EDC that serves a bestestimated location of the user communication device; associating thefirst EDC with the user communication device in the local database suchthat the first EDC is contacted if a request for emergency assistance isreceived from the user communication device at the locationing centerand/or EMS in the absence of new information being received regardingthe location of the user communication device; actively managing thelocation information of the user communication device by the locationingcenter and/or EMS; updating the EDC, by the locationing center, aboutlatest received location information of the user communication device onone of a periodic basis or upon occurrence of a certain specific event;and managing location information for any active request for emergencyassistance that the first EDC is currently responding to. In someembodiments, the current location of the user communication device isdetermined autonomously by the user communication device. In someembodiments, the current location of the user communication device isdetermined by information input by a user into the user communicationdevice. In some embodiments, the locationing center is one of a callcenter, a gateway mobile location center, or an EMS, and transmittingthe indication of the current location of the user communication deviceto the locationing center includes transmitting the indication of thecurrent location of the user communication device to one or more of thecall center, gateway mobile location center, or EMS. In someembodiments, transmitting the indication of the current location of theuser communication device to the locationing center and/or EMS uponoccurrence of the certain specific event includes transmitting theindication of the current location of the user communication device tothe locationing center and/or EMS upon one or more of movement of theuser communication device from a service area of one EDC to a servicearea of another EDC or determination if a difference between twodifferent time-samples of the location is above a specified amount. Insome embodiments, the locationing database is an SRDB. In someembodiments, the method further comprises receiving, at the locationingcenter and/or EMS, an indication of the location of the usercommunication device from a network device other than the usercommunication device. In some embodiments, associating the EDC with theuser communication device includes associating identificationinformation about the EDC and an area the EDC serves with the usercommunication device. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesinitiating, at the locationing center and/or EMS, a request forverification of the latest location information available at thelocationing center about the user communication device responsive toreceiving a request for emergency assistance from the user communicationdevice after a certain minimum time-period after the last locationupdate regarding the user communication device was received at thelocationing center and/or EMS if within this time-period no new locationinformation for the user communication device was solicited by thelocationing center and/or EMS. In further embodiments, the methodfurther comprises: responsive to receiving updated location informationfor the user communication device at the locationing center and/or EMSand responsive to a request for emergency assistance received from theuser communication device being currently responded to, querying, by thelocationing center and/or EMS, the location database using the updatedlocation information; receiving, from the location database in responseto querying the location database using the updated locationinformation, information about a second EDC that serves an areaassociated with the updated location information; responsive to therequest for emergency assistance being already sent to a third EDC otherthan the second EDC, re-sending the request for emergency assistance tothe second EDC and informing the third EDC about the updated locationinformation and the communication status with the second EDC; andresponsive to the request for emergency assistance not yet beingresponded to by any EDC, sending the request for emergency assistance toan EDC serving an area containing the latest location of the usercommunication device. In some embodiments, the user communication devicehosts an application client and sends and receives all pertinentcommunication, including periodic location information, or locationinformation sent upon occurrence of a certain specific event, and therequest for emergency assistance to the EDC and/or an EMS via thisapplication client, the application client managing connections betweenthe user communication device and all other communication devices. Infurther embodiments, the application client manages connections betweenthe user communication device and the locating center and/or EDC and/orEMS. In some embodiments, the location of the user communication deviceis determined using one of GPS positioning information derived from GPScoordinates, position information derived from a cellular network viatriangulation of received signal strengths from 3 separate cellularnetwork base stations, location information derived at the usercommunication device from received signal strengths indicators receivedfrom Wi-Fi routers and/or cellular network base stations, and signalstrengths of signals received at a Wi-Fi router of digital signals sentfrom the user communication device and the Wi-Fi router sending thederived location to the device. In some embodiments, the usercommunication device maintains a time-stamp of the transmission of thelocation information to the locationing center and/or EMS and based onthis time-stamp information makes a decision on the transmission of thenext location information to the locationing center and/or EMS. In someembodiments, the locationing center and/or EMS maintains a time-stamp ofthe reception of the location information from the user communicationdevice and based on this time-stamp information makes a decision to senda request for verification of the location information of the usercommunication device, and to receive from the user communication devicea latest location information about the device. In some embodiments, theuser communication device is a smart device capable of communicatingover a data communication channel and sending location information on aperiodic basis or upon occurrence of a certain specific event, andresponding to requests from the locationing center and/or EMS andcorrespondingly sharing location information with the locationing centerand/or EMS. In some embodiments, the locationing center and/or EMS,gains location information about the user communication device via otherdevices including one or more of other user communication devices, anetwork device, a cellular tower, a base station, a Wi-Fi router,another locationing center, or another EMS, the location of the usercommunication device being determined one of autonomously by the otherdevice or via interaction with the user communication device.

In another aspect, provided herein are user mobile communication devicesconfigured to send data communication packets to, or receive datacommunication packets from other user communication device, alocationing center, or an EMS, the user communications devicecomprising: a user interface configured to display alerts to the user ofthe user communication device, these alerts including information sentfrom a locationing center and/or EMS containing a request for sharinglocation information from the user communication device; and physicalinteraction components; a communications module configured to send andreceive messages over a communications network including one of a datacommunication network and an analog communication network; and aprocessor configured to: determine a location of the user communicationdevice and store an indication of the location on a memory within theuser communication device; periodically and/or upon occurrence of acertain specific event, send an indication of the location to alocationing center and/or EMS that the user communication device isassociated with, and receive confirmation from the locationing centerand/or EMS about reception of the updated location information;responsive receiving a request, from a communication module of the usercommunication device, and sent from a locationing center and/or EMS forsharing the location, send latest location information about the usercommunication device, determined and stored at a memory of the usercommunication device by the processor, to the communication module andaddressed to the locationing center and/or EMS; responsive to receivinga request to validate the location of the user communication device,send a validation of the location stored at the locationing centerand/or EMS; and establish and manage data communications links with thelocationing center and/or EMS and/or any other component of a servicenetwork to share and validate the location at the service network on aperiodic basis and/or upon occurrence of a certain specific event. Insome embodiments, the user communication device does not have a locationidentification module on the device and the location determination isdone via communicating with other devices, in the network for example aGMLC, or outside the network for example a GPS location service, andreceiving from these other device the location of the device. In someembodiments, the user communication device has a location identificationmodule including one of a GPS module or a cellular network triangulationmodule, and the location determination is done via the locationidentification module. In some embodiments, the user communicationdevice determines its location based on one of GPS positioninginformation derived from GPS coordinates, position information derivedfrom a cellular network via triangulation of received signal strengthsfrom 3 separate cellular network base stations, location informationderived at the user communication device from received signal strengthsindicators received from Wi-Fi routers or cellular network basestations, and signal strengths of signals received at a Wi-Fi router ofdigital signals sent from the user communication device and the Wi-Firouter sending the derived location to the device, and any other form oflocation determination process used at the user communication deviceand/or on a network device and shared with the user communicationdevice.

In another aspect, provided herein are emergency management systems(EMS) containing at least one first computing system and at least onefirst communications system, the EMS comprising: at least one firstinput/output (I/O) system configured to receive data messages from auser communication device over a data communication channel, themessages containing location information about the user communicationdevice and to receive response messages from the user communicationdevice to a request sent by the at least one first computing system ofthe EMS for validating location information over at least one first I/Ochannel; a communications module configured to send and receive messagesformatted to be sent over data communication networks and/or analogvoice channels, and containing a request for location information fromthe user communication device over the at least one first I/O channel;and at least one first processing unit in communication with the atleast one first I/O system and the communication module and configuredto: receive messages from the at least one first communication modulecontaining location information about the user communication device, themessages received one of in response to a request for sharing thelocation information from the EMS or by initiation from the usercommunication device, via the at least one first I/O system, interpretthe location information received in the messages, extract and store thelocation information in a memory local to the EMS, and associate thelocation information with the user communication device in a databaselocal to the EMS; verify the stored location information as being latestlocation information representing the current location of the usercommunication device and, based on the verification of the locationinformation, initiate a request for updating the location information ofthe user communication device at the EMS, and send the request forupdating the location information via the communications module to theuser communication device via the at least one first I/O system;periodically receive updated location information of the usercommunication device from the user communication device, send a queryincluding the updated location information to a location database,receive and store information about an EDC that serves the updatedlocation of the device, and update a memory of the EMS and a localdatabase hosted within the EMS with the information about the EDC andassociate the information about the EDC with the user communicationdevice; and actively manage data communication links between the EMS,the user communication device, and an emergency dispatch center. In someembodiments, the EMS verifies the stored location information as beingthe latest location information representing the current location of theuser communication device via one of analyzing a time-stamp of latestreceived location information, distance moved by the user communicationdevice over a period of time based on a multiple of the previousreceived location information, the last associated cellular network basestation by the device, and other means of verifying the stored locationinformation.

Location Tracking of First Responders

When a request for assistance is received by an emergency dispatchcenter (EDC), an emergency management system (EMS), or another emergencyresponse unit, for example, a response center for an enterprise, thedispatch center, response center, or EMS aims to allocate a group offirst responders, for example, a group of fire fighters or emergencymedical technicians, who then respond to the emergency situation, and incertain instances, the location of the first responders with respect tothe geographic position of the emergency situation is tracked by thedispatch center. This location information regarding the firstresponders in normally not available to an EDC, for example, a PSAP, anEMS, or another dispatch center, for example, a response center for anenterprise. The dispatch center can generally access informationregarding the location(s) of the first responders by contacting thefirst responders directly. The personnel at the dispatch center mayrelay this information to the people requesting emergency assistance ifthe people request this information from the dispatch center. Thisprocess, however, results in further delays for the people requestingemergency assistance in terms of knowing how long it will take forassistance, via first responders, to reach them.

Therefore, in some aspects, provided herein are methods for allowing aEDC, EMS, or any other dispatch center, for example, a security officeat an enterprise, or any other dispatch center based on the NG911standard, to gather and store, in a primary memory unit housed in thedispatch center, location based meta-data information regarding firstresponders assigned to and responding to a request for emergencyassistance. The location based meta-data may be gathered using one ormore of various techniques, for example, GPS location information,cellular base station triangulation information, Wi-Fi positioninginformation, and other indicators of position of the user communicationdevices of the first responders. This location data may be available viavarious sources to the EDC and/or EMS, for example, from the usercommunication device(s) of the first responders, the service network ofthe user communication device(s) and other sources. This location basedmeta-data information may be useful to the personnel at a dispatchcenter, and to users requesting emergency assistance, in knowing therelative location of the first responders to the location of the usercommunication device, or the location of the emergency situation. Thislocation based meta-data information may be conveyed to the usercommunication device of the user requesting emergency assistance in aformat that is compatible with industry standards for storing andretrieving location based meta-data information. Further in such anembodiment an EDC, EMS, or any other dispatch center, for example, asecurity office at an enterprise, or any other dispatch center based onthe NG911 standard, may estimate the time of arrival of the firstresponders responding to the request for emergency assistance receivedfrom, or on behalf of, the user of a user communication device. Thistime may be estimated based on various geographic information, availableto the EDC, EMS, security office of the enterprise location, or anyother dispatch center based on the NG911 standard, for example, terraininformation, traffic information, weather information, and any otherform of geographic information, and updated location based meta-datainformation about the communication devices of the first responders. Theestimated time of arrival information may be stored at the dispatchcenter in a primary memory unit housed in the dispatch center in aformat that is compatible with industry standards. The estimated time ofarrival may be shared with the user communication device over an IPbased network, for example, the Internet. The estimated time of arrivalmay be updated as new geographic information is received and the updatedestimated time of arrival may be shared with the user communicationdevice. Further, in such an embodiment, the user communication devicemay be able to receive the location based meta-data information and theestimated time of arrival information from the EDC, EMS, security officeof the enterprise location, or any other dispatch center based on theNG911 standard, and display this information via an I/O system of theuser communication device in an interactive fashion, for example, on ageographic map of the location with indication of the estimated time ofarrival of the first responders via a visible indication on the mapalong with the indication of the relative distance of the firstresponders to the location of the user communication device, or thelocation of the emergency situation. The user communication device mayupdate this information on the interactive display as and when updatedestimated time of arrival information is received. Further, in such anembodiment, the user communication device may update the locationinformation of the device with the EDC, EMS, security office of theenterprise location, or any other dispatch center based on the NG911standard. Based on this location update the dispatch center may updatethe estimated time of arrival of the first responders to the bestestimated location of the user. The user communication device may updatethe interactive display on the user interface or I/O system on the usercommunication device to include an updated distance estimate between thebest estimated location of the user of the user communication device andthe first responders.

In some embodiments, the location based meta-data information containsinformation about the geographic location of the first responders thatare assigned to and responding to the request for emergency assistancereceived from the user of the user communication device, and geographiclocation information about other first responders, in the vicinity ofthe best estimated location of the user communication device, and/or thelocation of the emergency situation. The user communication device maydisplay an indication of the location of the other first responderswhose location information is received by the user communication devicein the location based meta-data information received from the EDC, EMS,security office of the enterprise location, or any other dispatch centerbased on the NG911 standard.

In some embodiments, the location based meta-data information regardingthe location of the first responders, is determined based on variousmeans including GPS location, history of GPS locations, cellular basestation triangulation information from the most recent base station thedevice is associated with, Wi-Fi positioning information, and/or otherforms of location information determination.

In some embodiments, the user communication device contains anapplication client, implemented in software, to analyze the receivedlocation based meta-data information about the first responders, anddisplay this information via an I/O system of the user communicationdevice in an interactive fashion, for example, on a geographic map ofthe location with indication of the estimated time of arrival of thefirst responders via a visible indication on the map along with theindication of the relative distance of the first responders to thelocation of the user communication device, or the location of theemergency situation. The user communication device may update thisinformation on the interactive display as and when updated estimatedtime of arrival information is received.

In some embodiments, user communications devices of both the firstresponders and the users requesting emergency assistance, compriseportable electronic devices selected from the group consisting of asmart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and a wearable smartdevice or other form of Internet enabled portable electronic devicecapable of detecting and sharing location based meta-data informationand capable of displaying location based meta-data information on a userinterface, for example, a digital display interface.

Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein provide for a method forautonomously detecting at an EMS, using available meta-data about auser, data available about first responders responding to an emergencysituation, information available about a user communication device ofthe user, and information available about the emergency situation, theestimate of the location of the first responders. In some instancesthese first responders are first responders who are in the process ofresponding to a request for emergency assistance from the user. In someembodiments, a relative distance of the first responders from the userof the user communication device is derived from location information ofthe user and location information of the first responders. In someembodiments, an estimated time of arrival of the first responders at thelocation of the user communication device, or the estimated location ofthe user, or the location of the emergency situation is derived fromlocation information of the user and location information of the firstresponders. In some embodiments, this information is communicated in aformat that is compatible to industry standards for sharing locationbased meta-data information to the user communication device of the userrequesting emergency assistance and/or to other communication devices,for example, a communication device at an EDC that is participating inthe process of providing emergency assistance to the user.

Also disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of a method forupdating information at an EMS and/or EDC regarding location basedmeta-data information of the first responders or about the usercommunication device of the user requesting emergency assistance, andfor the EMS and/or EDC to update the estimate of the relative distanceand time of arrival of the first responders to the location of the usercommunication device, or the emergency situation, and for providing thisupdated information to the user of the user communication device and toother communication devices of entities participating in the process ofproviding emergency assistance to the user.

Also disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of a method ofupdating and displaying location based meta-data information at a usercommunication device in an interactive fashion, for example, displayingthe information on a map. The method may further include displaying thereceived relative distance of the first responders from the user of theuser communication device, and the estimated time of arrival of thefirst responders to the location of the user communication device or tothe location of the emergency situation.

In some aspects, provided herein are methods for an emergency managementsystem (EMS) or an emergency dispatch center (EDC) to communicate thelocation of first responders to a user communication device of a usercalling for emergency assistance, the method comprising: determining, bythe EMS and/or EDC, location information including an estimated locationof first responders assigned to and responding to an emergency situationthat the user has requested emergency assistance for; calculating, atthe EMS and/or EDC, one of an estimated distance from a location of theuser communication device and the estimated location of the firstresponders, a location of the first responders relative to the locationof the user communication device, or a location of the first respondersrelative to a location of the emergency situation, and an estimated timeof arrival of the first responders to one of the location of the usercommunication device or the location of the emergency situation; andtransmitting the location information to the user communication devicealong with the one of the estimated distance from the location of theuser communication device and the estimated location of the firstresponders, the location of the first responders relative to thelocation of the user communication device, or the location of the firstresponders relative to the location of the emergency situation and theestimated time of arrival. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises formatting the location information as location basedmeta-data information in a format that is compatible with industrystandards for storing and sharing location based meta-data information,the industry standards including standards set for storing and accessinglocation information for legacy systems based on circuit switchednetworks and for conventional packet switched communication systems. Infurther embodiments, the method further comprises storing the one of theestimated distance from the location of the user communication deviceand the estimated location of the first responders, the location of thefirst responders relative to the location of the user communicationdevice, or the location of the first responders relative to the locationof the emergency situation and the estimated time of arrival in theprimary memory unit housed in the EMS and/or EDC in a format compatiblewith the industry standards. In yet further embodiments, the methodfurther comprises transmitting the location information to the usercommunication device along with the one of the estimated distance fromthe location of the user communication device and the estimated locationof the first responders, the location of the first responders relativeto the location of the user communication device, or the location of thefirst responders relative to the location of the emergency situation andthe estimated time of arrival in the format compatible with the industrystandards. In some embodiments, the method further comprises storing thelocation based meta-data information in a primary memory unit housed inthe EMS and/or EDC. In some embodiments, the method comprisestransmitting the location information to the user communication devicealong with the one of the estimated distance from the location of theuser communication device and the estimated location of the firstresponders, the location of the first responders relative to thelocation of the user communication device, or the location of the firstresponders relative to the location of the emergency situation and theestimated time of arrival over an IP-based network. In some embodiments,the method further comprises, responsive to determining that there isupdated location based meta-data information regarding the firstresponders or the user communication device, re-calculating the one ofthe estimated distance from the location of the user communicationdevice and the estimated location of the first responders, the locationof the first responders relative to the location of the usercommunication device, or the location of the first responders relativeto the location of the emergency situation and the estimated time ofarrival. In further embodiments, the method further comprises sendingthe re-calculated one of the estimated distance from the location of theuser communication device and the estimated location of the firstresponders, the location of the first responders relative to thelocation of the user communication device, or the location of the firstresponders relative to the location of the emergency situation and theestimated time of arrival to the user communication device. In yetfurther embodiments, the method comprises sending the re-calculated oneof the estimated distance from the location of the user communicationdevice and the estimated location of the first responders, the locationof the first responders relative to the location of the usercommunication device, or the location of the first responders relativeto the location of the emergency situation and the estimated time ofarrival to the user communication device in a format that is compatiblewith the industry standards. In yet further embodiments, the methodcomprises storing a updated copy of the one of the estimated distancefrom the location of the user communication device and the estimatedlocation of the first responders, the location of the first respondersrelative to the location of the user communication device, or thelocation of the first responders relative to the location of theemergency situation and the estimated time of arrival in a primarymemory unit housed in the EMS and/or EDC. In still yet furtherembodiments, the stored location based meta-data information in theprimary memory unit is updated in real-time and the estimate of therelative location and the time of arrival is calculated/re-calculatedfor each location update. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises actively managing location based meta-data informationassociated with the user and with the first responders, formatting,calculations, or storage performed on the meta-data, and communicationof the location based meta-data information to the user communicationdevice, and/or sharing of the location based meta-data informationbetween the EMS and/or EDC and any other communication devices hosted onthe Internet and participating in a process of providing emergencyassistance to the user. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises formatting the location information as location basedmeta-data information in an extensible markup language (XML) format byone of the EMS and/or EDC, a security office of an enterprise location,or any other dispatch center based on the NG911 standard. In furtherembodiments, the method further comprises transmitting the locationbased meta-data information to the user communication device over anInternet Protocol (IP) data channel using hyper-text transfer protocol(HTTP). In some embodiments, the method further comprises formatting thelocation information as location based meta-data information andcollecting and transmitting the location based meta-data informationusing an application client hosted on a machine that is part of the EMSand/or EDC, the application client being capable of communicating withthe user communication device via a communication module of the usercommunication device, being capable of receiving from the usercommunication device a request to share the location based meta-datainformation formatted as per industry defined standards for sharinglocation based meta-data information for purpose of emergency response,and being capable of including any estimate of the relative location andestimated time of arrival of the first responders in communications withthe user communication device. In some embodiments, the estimateddistance from the location of the user communication device and theestimated location of the first responders is calculated based oninformation about the location of the first responders and the usercommunication device including one or more of GPS location information,Wi-Fi based location information, cellular tower triangulationinformation, location information from various interactions with thefirst responders, or information from communication routers present in anetwork providing access to the user communication device and/or acommunication device of the first responders. In some embodiments, theestimated distance from the location of the user communication deviceand the estimated location of the first responders is calculated basedon information about the location of the first responders and the usercommunication device including one or more of geographic spatialinformation about the environment from sources of geographic informationincluding one or more of terrain information, traffic information, orweather information, and geographic information pertaining to theestimated location of the first responders and the user communicationdevice derived from a source including one or more of the government, aweather prediction center, a public events database, a trafficinformation center, freely available public information, or otherprivate sources. In further embodiments, the other private sourcesinclude one of a security office of an enterprise location providingunique information about characteristics of building structures and/orcampus area of an enterprise, or a third party operated environmentalinformation source. In yet further embodiments, the third party operatedenvironmental information source includes road traffic information fromGoogle Inc.

In some aspects, provided herein are methods for a user communicationdevice to receive location based meta-data information regarding firstresponders from an EMS and/or EDC, and to display and store theinformation, the method comprising: receiving location based meta-datapertaining to an emergency situation that a user of the usercommunication device is facing at the user communication device;determining an estimated distance of first responders responding to theemergency situation from information provided by the EMS and/or EDC, theinformation provided by the EMS and/or EDC including one of an estimatedcurrent location of the user, an estimated current location of the usercommunication device, or an estimated current location of location ofthe emergency situation, and an estimated time of arrival of the firstresponders; and displaying the received location based meta-datainformation, estimated distance, and estimated time of arrival on an I/Osystem of the user communication device. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises storing the location based meta-data information, theestimated distance, and estimated time of arrival on a primary memoryunit of the user communication device. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises displaying the received location based meta-datainformation, estimated distance, and estimated time of arrival on theI/O system of the user communication device in an interactive fashion.In further embodiments, the location based meta-data informationreceived from the EMS and/or EDC is presented in an interactive fashionto the user using a geographic map displayed on a user interface of theuser communication device. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises, responsive to determining that the user communication devicereceived updated location based meta-data information from the EMSand/or EDC, updating the display of the location based meta-datainformation on the I/O system. In further embodiments, the updatedlocation based meta-data information is received from the EMS and/or EDCin real-time at the user communication device. In yet furtherembodiments, the updated location based meta-data information ispresented to the user on a user interface of the user communicationdevice in an interactive fashion. In still yet further embodiments, theuser communication device displays the updated location based meta-datainformation using a geographic map on a display on the usercommunication device. In further embodiments, the updated location basedmeta-data information is presented in an interactive fashion to the userusing text based information and is displayed on a user interface of theuser communication device. In yet further embodiments, the updatedlocation based meta-data information is received from the EMS and/or EDCin real-time at the user communication device, and the updated locationbased meta-data information is presented to the user on the userinterface using text based information in an interactive fashion. Infurther embodiments, the updated location based meta-data information ispresented in an interactive fashion to the user using images and/orvideo based information and is displayed on a user interface of the usercommunication device. In yet further embodiments, the updated locationbased meta-data information is received from the EMS and/or EDC inreal-time at the user communication device, and the updated locationbased meta-data information is presented to the user on the userinterface of the user communication device using image-based informationin an hold and refresh fashion if the location based meta-datainformation is presented to the user using images, or by updating avideo if the location based meta-data information is presented using avideo format.

In some aspects, provided herein are emergency management systems (EMS)or emergency dispatch centers (EDC), containing a communications system,the EMS or EDC configured to determine location based meta-datainformation regarding first responders assigned to and responding to arequest for emergency assistance received from a user communicationdevice and to share this information with other devices, the EMS or EDCcomprising: at least one input/output (I/O) system configured to: sharethe location based meta-data information with other devices via a datacommunication network in a format that is compatible with industrystandards for storing and sharing such information; and receive, fromthe user communication device, one of a request for updated locationbased meta-data information or information including meta-data providingan indication of a location of the user communication device; and atleast one processing unit in communication with the at least one I/Osystem and configured to: receive location information regarding thefirst responders from the at least one I/O system; receive locationinformation regarding one or more of the user communication device orthe emergency situation from the at least one I/O system; calculate oneof an estimated distance between a location of the user communicationdevice and the location of the first responders, a relative locationbetween the first responders and the location of the user communicationdevice, a relative location between the first responders and a locationof an emergency situation, and the estimated time of arrival of thefirst responders to one of the location of the user communication deviceor the location of the emergency situation; and share the locationinformation regarding the first responders with the user. In someembodiments, the at least one processing unit is further configured tostore the location information regarding the first responders in anindustry acceptable format at a primary memory unit at the EMS or EDC.In some embodiments, the at least one processing unit is furtherconfigured to store the one of the estimated distance between thelocation of the user communication device and the location of the firstresponders, the relative location between the first responders and thelocation of the user communication device, the relative location betweenthe first responders and a the location of the emergency situation, andthe estimated time of arrival of the first responders to one of thelocation of the user communication device or the location of theemergency situation along with the location based meta-data informationin a primary memory unit housed in the EMS or EDC in a format that iscompatible with the industry standards for storing and sharing locationbased meta-data information. In some embodiments, the at least oneprocessing unit is further configured to communicate with a server ofthe EMS or EDC housing a memory unit including personal informationassociated with the user via a communications network of the EMS or EDC,and read the personal information from the memory unit. In someembodiments, receiving the location information regarding the one ormore of the user communication device or the emergency situation fromthe at least one I/O system includes requesting meta-data transmittedfrom the user communication device from the at least one I/O system andinterpreting the meta-data transmitted from the user communicationdevice. In some embodiments, the at least one processing unit is furtherconfigured to share the location information regarding the firstresponders with the user by one of sending the information to the usercommunication device in an industry acceptable format, or transmittingthe location information regarding the first responders over a datacommunication channel. In further embodiments, the data communicationchannel is the Internet.

In another aspect, provided herein are user communication devicesconfigured to receive, display, and store location based meta-datainformation, the user communication device comprising: a user interface;a communications module; a location determination module; and at leastone processing unit in communication with the communications module andconfigured to: receive an indication of a location of the usercommunication device from the location determination module; receivelocation based meta-data information including a location of firstresponders from the communications module; one of calculate an estimateddistance and time of arrival of first responders to the location of theuser communication device and/or a location of an emergency situation auser of user communication device is facing, or receive the estimateddistance and time of arrival of first responders to the location of theuser communication device and/or the location of an emergency situationfrom an Emergency Management System (EMS) via the communications module;and display one or more of the received location based meta-datainformation, the estimated distance, or the estimated time of arrival inthe user interface. In some embodiments, the communications module isconfigured to send and receive messages including location basedmeta-data information over a multitude of communication channels andnetworks. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured todisplay the received location based meta-data information, including theestimated distance and the estimated time of arrival in an interactivefashion for the user of the user communication device in the userinterface. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured toperiodically determine if the location of the user communication devicehas changed significantly since a last time the location information wasshared with an EMS. In some embodiments, the processor is furtherconfigured to determine if the location of the user communication devicehas changed significantly since a last time the location information wasshared with an EMS based on the occurrence of a certain event. In someembodiments, the processor is further configured to, responsive todetecting a change in the location information of the user communicationdevice, share updated location information regarding the usercommunication device with the EMS. In some embodiments, the processor isfurther configured to update the display of the location based meta-datainformation in the user interface responsive to receiving one of or moreof updated location based meta-data information regarding the usercommunication device, updated location based meta-data informationregarding the first responders, an update in the estimated distance, oran update in the estimated time of arrival of the first responders fromthe EMS. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured tomanage the location based meta-data information including the estimateddistance and time of arrival of the first responders, received by theuser communication device from the EMS, and store this information on aprimary memory unit of the user communication device. In someembodiments, the system further comprises at least one memory unitconfigured to: store location based meta-data information in a formatcompatible with industry standards for the transmission and receptionand storage of location based meta-data information; and periodically,upon specific request from the processor, or upon reception of newlocation based meta-data information pertaining to a user and/or a usercommunication device for which the at least one memory unit has alreadystored location based meta-data information, update the location basedmeta-data information within the memory unit for the specific userand/or user communication device.

Facilitating Data Exchange

User communication devices have historically lacked the ability to sharemeta-data information, for example, location information determined bythe device about the user or the user communication device with an EDCand/or an EMS, that the user has called for assistance with an emergencysituation due to lack of a process to enable such a data transfer.Further, in many instances meta-data information obtained and stored bya user communication device has not been stored in a format that couldbe interpreted by a typical EDC to extract, for example, locationinformation from the meta-data information regarding the user or theuser communication device, even if the user communication device wascapable of sharing the meta-data information with the EDC and/or theEMS. The reasons for such meta-data information not historically beingshared between user communication devices and EDCs also include thehistorical inability of EDCs and/or PSAPs to receive meta-data in adigital format autonomously, or upon a manual request, from a usercommunication device.

Typical user communication devices, however, lack the ability to sharethis location specific meta-data information regarding the usercommunication devices, either in an emergency situation or in general,with other user communication devices, for example, a first responder'scommunication device, an EDC, an EMS, a third party participating in theprocess of providing an emergency response, or emergency servicescommunication devices in general. Various industry defined standards forinteroperability between communication devices participating in anemergency response process, for example, the standard “NationalEmergency Number Association (NENA) Standard Data Format for ALI DataExchanges and GIS Mapping” define a specific format in which locationbased meta-data can be stored and shared with an EDC from a usercommunication device. This standard is not typically used by usercommunication devices that have the ability to sense and store locationbased meta-data, for example GPS position data, and hence, usercommunication devices typically do not format location based meta-datain a format that may be easily shared with an EDC, an EMS, or with anmulti-media router capable of updating a location database, for example,an ALI database, even if there was a process for the device to share themeta-data on an autonomous basis with the EDC, EMS, or multi-mediarouter. Further, with the convergence of data and voice communicationsystems for communication network services, EDCs are increasinglyacquiring the ability to communicate over digital channels, and as aresult the queries performed by an EDC for looking up the location of adevice is different from the conventional look up queries performed withan ALI database, or a MSAG database, and are normally in a digitalformat over data communication channels.

In accordance with one aspect disclosed herein, there is provided amethod for a location information database to determine, store, andretrieve location based meta-data information pertaining to a certainuser and/or a user communication device. The location based meta-datainformation is stored in a primary memory unit housed in the locationinformation database in a format that is compatible with industrystandards for storing and retrieving the location based meta-datainformation. The location information database is able to receive aquery, either as a query for a database request or a web resourcerequest via a web resource accessing process, for example, a softwareapplication, for requesting location information pertaining to a certainuser and/or a user communication device, authenticate the sender of thequery, and respond to the query with the requested location informationin a format that is compatible with existing industry standards forstoring and retrieving location based meta-data information. Thelocation information database is able to update the location basedmeta-data information for a certain user and/or a user communicationdevice based on updated information received for the certain user and/ora user communication device. The location information database is ableto format the location based meta-data information into a format that iscompatible with industry standards for storing and retrieving thelocation based meta-data information on a pre-emptive basis and maystore the information in a format that is accessible by a web resourceaccessing process, for example, a hyper-text transfer protocol basedsoftware application.

In some embodiments, the location information database determines thelocation of the user communication device associated with the user byinteractions with the user communication device, with an intermediatedevice, for example, an Internet router that is providing service to theuser communication device, and/or from any other interaction between thelocation information database and another device on the Internet.

In some embodiments, the location information database determines thelocation of the user communication device associated with the user basedon various means including one or more of GPS location, history of GPSlocations, cellular base station triangulation information from the mostrecent base station the device is associated with, Wi-Fi positioninginformation, and other form of location information.

In some embodiments, the location information database houses asecondary memory unit, and on a periodic basis, or based on occurrenceof certain events, for example, a request from an EMS, retrieves thelocation based meta-data pertaining to certain user and/or a usercommunication device, formats the information for it to be compatiblewith industry standards for storing and retrieving location basedmeta-data information, stores this formatted location based meta-datainformation in an information display type that is compatible with a webresource access process, for example, the GET method of the hyper-texttransfer protocol (HTTP), and maintains this information within thesecondary memory unit for a certain period of time or until theoccurrence of another event, for example, another request from the EMSto delete this secondary copy of the location based meta-datainformation pertaining to the certain user.

In some embodiments, the location information database receives arequest for sharing the location based meta-data information via adatabase query to the primary memory unit for the access and retrievalof the location based meta-data information, and in other instances therequest is received via a web resource access request, for example anHTTP GET request, and the location based meta-data information isaccessed directly by the web resource access process from a secondarymemory unit that stores the information in a type compatible with theweb resource access process and formatted in an industry standardcompatible method.

Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein provide for a method forautonomously determining and recording, at a location informationdatabase, location based meta-data information about a certain user orone or more user communication devices associated with the user, usingavailable meta-data about the user, obtained either directly from theuser communication device or from a network device that provides aservice to the user communication device. The location based meta-datais stored in a format that is compatible with industry standards forstoring and retrieving location based meta-data information for thepurpose of emergency response. Also disclosed herein are aspects andembodiments of a method of providing location based meta-datainformation about a certain user or one or more user communicationdevices associated with the user, in an format that is compatible withindustry standards, to an authorized communication device of a responderthat is in the process of providing emergency assistance to a user whohas requested emergency assistance via a user communication device froman EMS and/or EDC.

In some aspects, provided herein are methods for determining locationinformation about a user and to store this information in a locationinformation database for use in facilitating provision of emergencyassistance for the user, the method comprising: determining locationbased meta-data information regarding the user and a user communicationdevice associated with the user, by the location information database,based on interactions with the user communication device of the user;storing the location based meta-data information in a primary databasethat can be accessed by the location information database on demand;formatting, at the location information database, the location basedmeta-data information in a format that is compatible with industrystandards for storing and retrieving location based meta-datainformation for the purpose of emergency response, the industrystandards including standards set for storing and accessing locationinformation for legacy systems based on circuit switched networks andfor packet switched communication systems; responsive to detecting arequest from a system responsible for receiving requests for emergencyassistance, pre-formatting the location based meta-data information in aweb accessible data type such that the location based meta-datainformation can be retrieved and stored by a device using a web resourceaccess request that does not require a database query or authentication;responsive to detecting a request from a communication device of thesystem responsible for receiving requests for emergency assistance,authenticating the communication device to request and to receive thelocation based meta-data information; responsive to successfullyverifying that the communication device is permitted to access and usethe location based meta-data information, one of sending a formattedcopy, or providing access to a web resource that has a pre-formattedversion of the location based meta-data information for the user to thecommunication device; and actively managing the location based meta-datainformation, and any formatting performed on the location basedmeta-data information, stored in the location information database. Insome embodiments, determining the location based meta-data informationregarding the user further comprises interacting with devices on theInternet other than the user communication device of the user. In someembodiments, the location information database accesses the locationbased meta-data in the database responsive to receiving a request from adevice responsible for providing emergency response services. In furtherembodiments, the device responsible for providing emergency responseservices is a communication device at an emergency dispatch center. Insome embodiments, the system responsible for receiving requests foremergency assistance is an Emergency Management System (EMS). In someembodiments, the web accessible data type is in an extensible markuplanguage format. In some embodiments, the communication device of thesystem responsible for receiving requests for emergency assistance isone of a communication device of an EMS and/or EDC, a router within apacket switched network, a device from one of a packet switched networkand a circuit switched network that is responsible in part for providingcommunication services for emergency assistance, or a user communicationdevice associated with the user. In some embodiments, the location basedmeta-data is formatted in an extensible markup language (XML) format bythe location information database and transmitted over an InternetProtocol (IP) data channel using hyper-text transfer protocol (HTTP). Insome embodiments, the request for receiving the meta-data information isreceived from an application programming interface hosted on a machinethat is part of an EMS, the application programming interface beingcapable of formatting and transmitting a request to receive locationbased meta-data information to the location information database andfurther capable of receiving from the location information database thelocation based meta-data information formatted as per industry definedstandards for sharing location based meta-data information for purposeof emergency response. In some embodiments, the location informationdatabase has a secondary database and on one of a periodic basis or onoccurrence of an certain event, the location information databaseprocesses the stored information in the primary database of the locationinformation database to be stored in the secondary database of thelocation information database, in a format that is accessible by a webresource accessing process and is in a format that is compatible toindustry standards for storing and accessing location based meta-datainformation. In some embodiments, the stored data in the secondarydatabase is stored in an extensible markup language (XML) format.

In some aspects, provided herein are location information databasesconfigured to store location based meta-data information, the locationinformation database comprising: a communications module configured tosend and receive messages over a multitude of communication channels andnetworks; at least one first memory unit, the at least one first memoryunit configured to: store location based meta-data information in aformat compatible with industry standards for the transmission,reception, and storage of location based meta-data information; and oneof periodically, upon specific request from the processor, or uponreception of new location based meta-data information pertaining to auser and/or a user communication device for which the at least one firstmemory unit has already stored location based meta-data information,update the location based meta-data information within the at least onefirst memory unit for the user and/or user communication device; and atleast one processing unit in communication with the at least one firstI/O system and configured to: receive an indication of a request fromthe at least one first I/O system and interpret the request to be aquery for accessing specific location based meta-data pertaining to acertain user communication device associated with a certain user;interpret the query, and based on the interpretation of the query,access the specific location based meta-data from the at least one firstmemory unit, retrieve the specific location based meta-data from the atleast one first memory unit, and format the specific location basedmeta-data in an industry standard format; send the formatted specificlocation based meta-data to the at least one first I/O system; receive aconfirmation from the at least one first I/O system of successfulreception of the formatted specific location based meta-data; and on oneof a periodic basis or on the occurrence of a certain event, processstored location based meta-data information to be present in a secondarymemory unit of the location information database in a format that isaccessible by an authorized device without the need to send a query forthe same and that is accessible via a web resource accessing protocol.In some embodiments, the web resource accessing protocol is one of ahypertext transfer protocol or a HELD protocol. In some embodiments, thelocation based meta-data is formatted in an extensible markup language(XML) format by the location information database and stored in the atleast one first memory unit in the XML format. In further embodiments,the secondary memory unit of the location information database isaccessed by a hyper-text transfer protocol.

Digital Processing Device

In some embodiments, the platforms, media, methods and applicationsdescribed herein include a digital processing device, a processor, oruse of the same. In further embodiments, the digital processing deviceincludes one or more hardware central processing units (CPU) that carryout the device's functions. In still further embodiments, the digitalprocessing device further comprises an operating system configured toperform executable instructions. In some embodiments, the digitalprocessing device is optionally connected a computer network. In furtherembodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected tothe Internet such that it accesses the World Wide Web. In still furtherembodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected to acloud computing infrastructure. In other embodiments, the digitalprocessing device is optionally connected to an intranet. In otherembodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected to adata storage device.

In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital processingdevices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers,desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebookcomputers, netbook computers, netpad computers, set-top computers,handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobile smartphones, tabletcomputers, personal digital assistants, video game consoles, andvehicles. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many smartphonesare suitable for use in the system described herein. Those of skill inthe art will also recognize that select televisions, video players, anddigital music players with optional computer network connectivity aresuitable for use in the system described herein. Suitable tabletcomputers include those with booklet, slate, and convertibleconfigurations, known to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an operatingsystem configured to perform executable instructions. The operatingsystem is, for example, software, including programs and data, whichmanages the device's hardware and provides services for execution ofapplications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitableserver operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle®Solaris®, Windows Server®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in theart will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systemsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple®Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux®. Insome embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smartphone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia®Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research In Motion® BlackBerry OS®, Google®Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS, Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS,Linux °, and Palm WebOS®.

In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or memory device.The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatusesused to store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. Insome embodiments, the device is volatile memory and requires power tomaintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device isnon-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digitalprocessing device is not powered. In further embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). Insome embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric randomaccess memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memorycomprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In some embodiments,the non-volatile memory comprises magnetoresistive random-access memory(MRAM). In other embodiments, the device is a storage device including,by way of non-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices,magnetic disk drives, magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, andcloud computing based storage. In further embodiments, the storageand/or memory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosedherein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a display tosend visual information to a subject. In some embodiments, the displayis a cathode ray tube (CRT). In some embodiments, the display is aliquid crystal display (LCD). In further embodiments, the display is athin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In someembodiments, the display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED)display. In various further embodiments, on OLED display is apassive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. Insome embodiments, the display is a plasma display. In some embodiments,the display is E-paper or E ink. In other embodiments, the display is avideo projector. In still further embodiments, the display is acombination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an inputdevice to receive information from a subject. In some embodiments, theinput device is a keyboard. In some embodiments, the input device is apointing device including, by way of non-limiting examples, a mouse,trackball, track pad, joystick, game controller, or stylus. In someembodiments, the input device is a touch screen or a multi-touch screen.In other embodiments, the input device is a microphone to capture voiceor other sound input. In other embodiments, the input device is a videocamera or other sensor to capture motion or visual input. In furtherembodiments, the input device is a Kinect, Leap Motion, or the like. Instill further embodiments, the input device is a combination of devicessuch as those disclosed herein.

Non-Transitory Computer Readable Storage Medium

In some embodiments, the platforms, media, methods and applicationsdescribed herein include one or more non-transitory computer readablestorage media encoded with a program including instructions executableby the operating system of an optionally networked digital processingdevice. In further embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is atangible component of a digital processing device. In still furtherembodiments, a computer readable storage medium is optionally removablefrom a digital processing device. In some embodiments, a computerreadable storage medium includes, by way of non-limiting examples,CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, solid state memory, magnetic diskdrives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drives, cloud computingsystems and services, and the like. In some cases, the program andinstructions are permanently, substantially permanently,semi-permanently, or non-transitorily encoded on the media.

Computer Program

In some embodiments, the platforms, media, methods and applicationsdescribed herein include at least one compFIGuter program, or use of thesame. A computer program includes a sequence of instructions, executablein the digital processing device's CPU, written to perform a specifiedtask. Computer readable instructions may be implemented as programmodules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming Interfaces(APIs), data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. In light of the disclosureprovided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that acomputer program may be written in various versions of variouslanguages.

The functionality of the computer readable instructions may be combinedor distributed as desired in various environments. In some embodiments,a computer program comprises one sequence of instructions. In someembodiments, a computer program comprises a plurality of sequences ofinstructions. In some embodiments, a computer program is provided fromone location. In other embodiments, a computer program is provided froma plurality of locations. In various embodiments, a computer programincludes one or more software modules. In various embodiments, acomputer program includes, in part or in whole, one or more webapplications, one or more mobile applications, one or more standaloneapplications, one or more web browser plug-ins, extensions, add-ins, oradd-ons, or combinations thereof.

Web Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a web application. Inlight of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that a web application, in various embodiments, utilizes oneor more software frameworks and one or more database systems. In someembodiments, a web application is created upon a software framework suchas Microsoft® .NET or Ruby on Rails (RoR). In some embodiments, a webapplication utilizes one or more database systems including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, relational, non-relational, object oriented,associative, and XML database systems. In further embodiments, suitablerelational database systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,Microsoft® SQL Server, mySQL™, and Oracle®. Those of skill in the artwill also recognize that a web application, in various embodiments, iswritten in one or more versions of one or more languages. A webapplication may be written in one or more markup languages, presentationdefinition languages, client-side scripting languages, server-sidecoding languages, database query languages, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in amarkup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), ExtensibleHypertext Markup Language (XHTML), or eXtensible Markup Language (XML).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in apresentation definition language such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aclient-side scripting language such as Asynchronous Javascript and XML(AJAX), Flash® Actionscript, Javascript, or Silverlight®. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aserver-side coding language such as Active Server Pages (ASP),ColdFusion®, Perl, Java™, JavaServer Pages (JSP), Hypertext Preprocessor(PHP), Python™, Ruby, Tcl, Smalltalk, WebDNA®, or Groovy. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a databasequery language such as Structured Query Language (SQL). In someembodiments, a web application integrates enterprise server productssuch as IBM® Lotus Domino®. In some embodiments, a web applicationincludes a media player element. In various further embodiments, a mediaplayer element utilizes one or more of many suitable multimediatechnologies including, by way of non-limiting examples, Adobe® Flash®,HTML 5, Apple® QuickTime®, Microsoft® Silverlight®, Java™, and Unity®.

Mobile Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a mobile applicationprovided to a mobile digital processing device. In some embodiments, themobile application is provided to a mobile digital processing device atthe time it is manufactured. In other embodiments, the mobileapplication is provided to a mobile digital processing device via thecomputer network described herein.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, a mobile application iscreated by techniques known to those of skill in the art using hardware,languages, and development environments known to the art. Those of skillin the art will recognize that mobile applications are written inseveral languages. Suitable programming languages include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Java™, Javascript,Pascal, Object Pascal, Python™, Ruby, VB.NET, WML, and XHTML/HTML withor without CSS, or combinations thereof.

Suitable mobile application development environments are available fromseveral sources. Commercially available development environmentsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, AirplaySDK, alcheMo,Appcelerator®, Celsius, Bedrock, Flash Lite, .NET Compact Framework,Rhomobile, and WorkLight Mobile Platform. Other development environmentsare available without cost including, by way of non-limiting examples,Lazarus, MobiFlex, MoSync, and Phonegap. Also, mobile devicemanufacturers distribute software developer kits including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, iPhone and iPad (iOS) SDK, Android™ SDK,BlackBerry® SDK, BREW SDK, Palm® OS SDK, Symbian SDK, webOS SDK, andWindows® Mobile SDK.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that several commercial forumsare available for distribution of mobile applications including, by wayof non-limiting examples, Apple® App Store, Android™ Market, BlackBerry®App World, App Store for Palm devices, App Catalog for webOS, Windows®Marketplace for Mobile, Ovi Store for Nokia® devices, Samsung® Apps, andNintendo® DSi Shop.

Standalone Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a standaloneapplication, which is a program that is run as an independent computerprocess, not an add-on to an existing process, e.g., not a plug-in.Those of skill in the art will recognize that standalone applicationsare often compiled. A compiler is a computer program(s) that transformssource code written in a programming language into binary object codesuch as assembly language or machine code. Suitable compiled programminglanguages include, by way of non-limiting examples, C, C++, Objective-C,COBOL, Delphi, Eiffel, Java™, Lisp, Python™, Visual Basic, and VB .NET,or combinations thereof. Compilation is often performed, at least inpart, to create an executable program. In some embodiments, a computerprogram includes one or more executable complied applications.

Software Modules

In some embodiments, the platforms, media, methods and applicationsdescribed herein include software, server, and/or database modules, oruse of the same. In view of the disclosure provided herein, softwaremodules are created by techniques known to those of skill in the artusing machines, software, and languages known to the art. The softwaremodules disclosed herein are implemented in a multitude of ways. Invarious embodiments, a software module comprises a file, a section ofcode, a programming object, a programming structure, or combinationsthereof. In further various embodiments, a software module comprises aplurality of files, a plurality of sections of code, a plurality ofprogramming objects, a plurality of programming structures, orcombinations thereof. In various embodiments, the one or more softwaremodules comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, a web application, amobile application, and a standalone application. In some embodiments,software modules are in one computer program or application. In otherembodiments, software modules are in more than one computer program orapplication. In some embodiments, software modules are hosted on onemachine. In other embodiments, software modules are hosted on more thanone machine. In further embodiments, software modules are hosted oncloud computing platforms. In some embodiments, software modules arehosted on one or more machines in one location. In other embodiments,software modules are hosted on one or more machines in more than onelocation.

Databases

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more databases, or use of the same. Inview of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that many databases are suitable for storage and retrieval ofbarcode, route, parcel, subject, or network information. In variousembodiments, suitable databases include, by way of non-limitingexamples, relational databases, non-relational databases, objectoriented databases, object databases, entity-relationship modeldatabases, associative databases, and XML databases. In someembodiments, a database is internet-based. In further embodiments, adatabase is web-based. In still further embodiments, a database is cloudcomputing-based. In other embodiments, a database is based on one ormore local computer storage devices.

Web Browser Plug-in

In some embodiments, the computer program includes a web browserplug-in. In computing, a plug-in is one or more software components thatadd specific functionality to a larger software application. Makers ofsoftware applications support plug-ins to enable third-party developersto create abilities which extend an application, to support easilyadding new features, and to reduce the size of an application. Whensupported, plug-ins enable customizing the functionality of a softwareapplication. For example, plug-ins are commonly used in web browsers toplay video, generate interactivity, scan for viruses, and displayparticular file types. Those of skill in the art will be familiar withseveral web browser plug-ins including, Adobe® Flash® Player, Microsoft®Silverlight®, and Apple® QuickTime®. In some embodiments, the toolbarcomprises one or more web browser extensions, add-ins, or add-ons. Insome embodiments, the toolbar comprises one or more explorer bars, toolbands, or desk bands.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that several plug-in frameworks are available that enabledevelopment of plug-ins in various programming languages, including, byway of non-limiting examples, C++, Delphi, Java™, PHP, Python™, and VB.NET, or combinations thereof.

Web browsers (also called Internet browsers) are software applications,designed for use with network-connected digital processing devices, forretrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on theWorld Wide Web. Suitable web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Google®Chrome, Apple® Safari®, Opera Software® Opera®, and KDE Konqueror. Insome embodiments, the web browser is a mobile web browser. Mobile webbrowsers (also called mircrobrowsers, mini-browsers, and wirelessbrowsers) are designed for use on mobile digital processing devicesincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, handheld computers, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, subnotebook computers, smartphones, musicplayers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and handheld video gamesystems. Suitable mobile web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Google® Android® browser, RIM BlackBerry® Browser, Apple®Safari®, Palm® Blazer, Palm® WebOS® Browser, Mozilla® Firefox® formobile, Microsoft® Internet Explorer® Mobile, Amazon® Kindle® Basic Web,Nokia® Browser, Opera Software® Opera® Mobile, and Sony® PSP™ browser.

EXAMPLES

The following illustrative examples are representative of embodiments ofthe methods, devices, systems, and media described herein and are notmeant to be limiting in any way.

Example 1 Dispatch Center Update

John is an avid outdoorsman and decides to go skiing for the weekend ina ski resort located about five hours away. He has to run some errandsand ends up leaving late when it is already dark. During the long drive,John falls asleep at the wheel and crashes his car in a ditch on theside of the road. John wakes up in excruciating pain and realizes thathis left leg is broken and that he is trapped in the wreckage of hiscar. Unfortunately, there is little traffic at this time of the night,and no one spots his vehicle laying hidden in the ditch. John pulls outhis cell phone and calls 911. Software on his phone routes his 911 callthrough an emergency management system. The emergency management systempulls location information for John's phone from a location informationdatabase. However, the only location information available initially iscell tower triangulation. This leads to the emergency management systemobtaining an inaccurate location for John's phone. The emergencymanagement system then queries a database for the appropriate emergencydispatch center serving the jurisdiction where John is located andreceives information on a first emergency dispatch center. The emergencydispatch center then routes the phone call to the first emergencydispatch center. An operator at the emergency dispatch center beginsspeaking with John and assessing his emergency situation. Meanwhile, theemergency management system continues to query John's phone for updatedlocation information. Fortunately, there is a Wi-Fi network located ashort distance away at a diner. John's phone uses strength of signalreceived from the Wi-Fi network to refine the location determined usingcellular triangulation and obtain a more accurate location. Thisinformation is sent to the emergency management system, which thenqueries the database to determine whether the first emergency dispatchcenter services the jurisdiction where John is located. The databasesends back information on a second emergency dispatch center thatservices John's location. The emergency management system then sends amessage to the operator/dispatcher at the first emergency dispatchcenter who is speaking with John. The message tells the operator thatJohn is the responsibility of another dispatch center and contains alink for the second emergency dispatch center. The operator selects thelink, which establishes a communication channel with an operator at thesecond emergency dispatch center. The operator then speaks to thedispatcher at the second emergency dispatch center and transfers John'scall to the second EDC. In addition, the EMS provides all locationinformation obtained for John thus far to the second EDC. The second EDCsends an ambulance from the nearest hospital to John's location thatstabilizes him, frees him from the wreckage, and takes him to thehospital. Thanks to the efficiency of the emergency response, John makesa full recovery.

Example 2 Location Tracking of First Responders

Dan is a cab driver in Los Angeles. One day, he is dropping off apassenger when his car experiences engine trouble and shuts off in themiddle of the road. Dan immediately presses an emergency alert button onhis vehicle console, which sends a communication back to a privateemergency management system at the taxi company headquarters downtownfor managing the taxi fleet. The on-duty manager Bob sees the alert andassigns one of their responder assets, an in-house tow truck, toretrieve Dan and his taxi. The EMS obtains location information fromDan's vehicle console (which has GPS) and location information from thetow truck. The EMS then determines an ETA for the tow truck based on thelocation for both vehicles, the distance between them, the trafficconditions, and the route being taken by the tow truck. The EMS sends aresponder forecast to Dan, the forecast having the ETA and a map showingthe location of the tow truck. Dan sees this information on the displayof his vehicle console and feels relief that help will arrive soon.However, the tow truck driver gets distracted by a phone call whiledriving and runs a red light, smashing into another vehicle. The gastank is ruptured, and fuel begins to leak out. The driver rushes out ofthe tow truck, which catches on fire as the fuel ignites. The tow truckdriver pulls out his smart phone and activates an emergency applicationto send an emergency alert for a fire emergency to an emergencymanagement system associated with government emergency dispatch centers.The EMS receives the emergency alert and establishes a communicationsession between the tow truck driver's smart phone and the EDC servinghis location. Based on the fire emergency indication contained in theemergency alert, the EMS sends information indicating the fire emergencyto the EDC and queries the EDC to determine whether firefighters havebeen dispatched. The EMS also queries for first responder informationincluding an estimated time to arrival (ETA). In this case, the EDC doesnot provide location information for the firefighters, but does providean ETA. The EMS relays this information to the tow truck driver's smartphone. He sees that the firefighters are estimated to arrive within 8minutes. The driver then notices that the driver of the other car in theaccident had forgotten his dog in the backseat. Although the fire wasstill small, the flames were starting to spread from the tow truck tothe car. Realizing the firefighters were not going to arrive in time,the tow truck driver sprang into action and pulled the dog out throughan open window. Shortly thereafter, the fire truck pulled up to theaccident scene, and firefighters leapt out and put out the flames.Meanwhile, the on-site manager Bob has found out his tow truck was in anaccident and has assigned another tow truck to retrieve Dan and histaxi. This updated information is relayed to Dan indicating that theresponder assets assigned to his emergency have changed. Dan alsoreceives a new ETA for the new tow truck heading his way.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended thatthe following claims define the scope of the invention and that methodsand structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents becovered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. An emergency management system (EMS) comprisingat least one processor, a memory, a network element, and a computerprogram including instructions executable by the at least one processorto create a server application for storing and retrieving emergencydata, the server application configured to: (a) obtain the emergencydata for a mobile communication device wherein: (i) an emergency alerthas been triggered on the mobile communication device; and (ii) theemergency data comprises a current location determined by the mobilecommunication device; (b) store the emergency data in one or moredatabases and associating the emergency data with a user of the mobilecommunication device; (c) receive a query for the emergency dataassociated with the user from a requesting party; (d) determine, using anon-authoritative geographic information system (GIS) database withinthe EMS, that the requesting party has jurisdiction over the emergencyalert based at least on the current location of the mobile communicationdevice, wherein the non-authoritative GIS database is configured todetermine the jurisdiction of the requesting party independent of anauthoritative determination of emergency call routing by anauthoritative GIS database; (e) obtain the emergency data from the oneor more databases to provide to the requesting party based at least onthe current location of the mobile communication device; and (f) returna response comprising the emergency data from the one or moredatabases-to the requesting party via a secure pathway.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the current location is generated on the mobilecommunication device using at least one of GPS, cellular networktriangulation, Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth triangulation, receivedsignal strength from at least one cellular base station, received signalstrength of at least one Wi-Fi router, or received signal strength of atleast one Bluetooth beacon.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the serverapplication is configured to calculate an estimate time of arrival of atleast one responder dispatched to the current location by the requestingparty.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the query for the emergencydata is received from the requesting party through a call handlingapplication using APIs.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the EMS isconfigured to return the emergency data in a data format compatible withindustry standards comprising NG911, NENA, ALI or GIS standards.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein prior authorization to share location data isprovided by the user.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein authorizationfor sharing location data with member devices in a group of devices isprovided by the user.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the EMS isconfigured to provide differential access to one or more data categoriesof the emergency data for different requesting parties.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the differential access to one or more data categoriesof the emergency data is granted based on credentials or access keysprovided by the requesting party.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein thequery is in HTTP-Enabled Location Delivery (HELD) format, and theresponse is in Presence Information Data Format Location Delivery(PIDF-LO) format.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or moredata categories are selected from the group consisting of service datareference, full name, email, emergency contacts, addresses, language,occupation, phone numbers, websites, gender, height, weight, ethnicity,profile picture, allergies, medical conditions, medications,disabilities, blood type, medical notes, birthday, and additionalcomments.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the emergency datacomprises sensor data from an external sensor in communication with themobile communication device.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein theemergency data comprises data from an associated device in proximity tothe mobile communication device.
 14. A method for storing and retrievingemergency data, by an emergency management system (EMS), the methodcomprising: (a) obtaining the emergency data for a mobile communicationdevice wherein: (i) an emergency alert has been triggered on the mobilecommunication device; and (ii) the emergency data comprises a currentlocation determined by the mobile communication device; (b) storing theemergency data in one or more databases and associating the emergencydata with a user of the mobile communication device; (c) receiving aquery for the emergency data associated with the user from a requestingparty; (d) determining, using a non-authoritative geographic informationsystem (GIS) database within the EMS, that the requesting party hasjurisdiction over the emergency alert based at least on the currentlocation of the mobile communication device, wherein thenon-authoritative GIS database is configured to determine thejurisdiction of the requesting party independent of an authoritativedetermination of emergency call routing using an authoritative GISdatabase; (e) obtaining the emergency data from the one or moredatabases to provide to the requesting party; and (f) returning aresponse comprising the emergency data from the one or more databases tothe requesting party via a secure pathway.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the current location is generated on the mobile communicationdevice using at least one of GPS, cellular network triangulation, Wi-Fitriangulation, Bluetooth triangulation, received signal strength from atleast one cellular base station, received signal strength of at leastone Wi-Fi router, or received signal strength of at least one Bluetoothbeacon.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the EMS returns theemergency data in a data format compatible with industry standardscomprising NG911, NENA, ALI or GIS standards.
 17. The method of claim14, wherein differential access to one or more data categories of theemergency data is provided to the requesting party.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the emergency data comprises encrypted and anonymizedmedical data.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the medical data istagged to indicate HIPAA protection.
 20. The method of claim 14, whereinthe current location is stored temporarily after the query is received.